Glossostigma Elatinoides Mat – Live Aquarium Carpeting Plant

Glossostigma Elatinoides Mat

Create an established foreground carpet quickly with a large pre-grown mat of Glossostigma elatinoides, one of the most popular carpeting plants used in planted aquariums and aquascapes.

Rather than starting with a small pot and waiting for it to spread, this mat provides a substantial amount of established growth which can be planted whole or divided into smaller sections.

Approximate Mat Size

Approx. 14cm x 9cm

As this is a naturally grown live plant, the exact shape and dimensions of each mat will vary.

Please allow approximately +/- 3cm variation in length or width.

The product photographs show the typical size, density and appearance of the mats supplied.

About Glossostigma Elatinoides

Glossostigma elatinoides, commonly known as Glosso, is a small-leaved foreground plant that can form a dense, bright green carpet across the aquarium substrate.

Under suitable conditions it spreads horizontally by runners, gradually creating a low-growing carpet.

It is particularly popular for:

• Aquascaped planted aquariums

• Foreground planting

• Iwagumi-style layouts

• Filling areas between rocks and wood

• Creating a dense green carpet

• Dividing into several smaller planting sections

Plant Care

Scientific Name: Glossostigma elatinoides
Common Name: Glosso
Position: Foreground
Type: Carpeting plant
Difficulty: Moderate
Growth Rate: Medium to fast
Light: Medium to high
CO₂: Recommended
Temperature: 20–28°C
Height: Approx. 2–5cm under suitable conditions
Propagation: Runners / division

Lighting & CO₂

Glossostigma performs best under good-quality aquarium lighting.

Strong lighting encourages the plant to remain compact and spread horizontally. In insufficient light, the plant may begin growing upwards rather than forming a low carpet.

CO₂ injection is recommended for the best results, particularly if you want to maintain a dense and compact carpet.

A nutrient-rich substrate and regular aquarium fertilisation will also help encourage healthy growth.

How to Plant

The mat can be planted as one large section or divided into several smaller pieces.

For a more natural-looking carpet, divide the mat into smaller sections and plant them a short distance apart. New runners will gradually spread through the substrate and fill the gaps.

Make sure the roots are placed into the substrate while keeping the leaves above the substrate.

Important – Live Plant

This is a naturally grown live aquarium plant, so every mat will be slightly different.

Natural variation can include:

• Differences in shape and density

• Slight colour variation

• Longer or shorter roots

• Occasional pale or yellow older leaves

• Slight variation in mat dimensions

Some older leaves underneath a dense mat may naturally be lighter due to receiving less light.

Temporary leaf loss or adjustment can also occur after planting while the plant adapts to different aquarium conditions.

For best results, unpack and plant as soon as possible after delivery.

Is Glossostigma Suitable for My Aquarium?

Glossostigma is not generally considered a low-light beginner carpeting plant.

For the best compact carpet we recommend:

• Medium to high aquarium lighting

• Nutrient-rich substrate

• Regular fertilisation

• CO₂ injection

• Stable aquarium conditions

If your aquarium has weak lighting or limited plant nutrients, slower-growing carpeting plants may be more suitable.

What You Will Receive

1 x Glossostigma elatinoides live aquarium plant mat

Approximate size: 14cm x 9cm

Please allow approximately +/- 3cm variation due to natural growth.