Overview:
Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn. is a popular aquatic plant species under the family Phrymaceae. The plant is native to Oceania, particularly in Australia, where it grows in freshwater streams and rivers. The plant is commonly referred to as tongue plant or spoonleaf, primarily due to the shape of its leaves, which resemble spoons or tongues.
General Appearance:
The plant Glossostigma spathulatum typically grows as a mat-like groundcover with its stems and leaves extending along the substrate. The plant has small, oval-shaped, and bright green leaves that are about two to three millimeters in length. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems and form an excellent carpet of verdant color. The plant's proper development requires ample sunlight and the right substrate for it to attach itself and spread. It can grow up to seven cm in height, leading to the development of delicate purplish flowers at the tip of the stems.
Uses:
Glossostigma spathulatum is a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists who focus on aquascaping. Its beautiful green coloration and compact growth make it a popular choice for creating intricate, radiant landscapes in aquariums. The plant is also used in outdoor ponds as a feature to add life and color to a water feature. Recent studies have shown that the plant has antimicrobial properties that make it useful in treating various illnesses and infections. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to ease stomach aches and as a diuretic to help boost urinary output.
Cultivation:
Glossostigma spathulatum is a relatively easy plant to grow, and it does not require any specialized care. The plant favors a nutrient-rich substrate, good lighting, and high carbon dioxide levels. It is best to plant this species in midground or foreground areas of an aquarium and avoid planting in deep or low light areas. The plant propagates well through cutting; each stem cut at the nodes will sprout a new plantlet that will soon develop into a new plant. In aquariums, the plant should be trimmed regularly to maintain its desired size and appearance.
Light Requirements:
Glossostigma spathulatum requires high light intensity, ideally in the range of 3-4 watts per gallon or 8-10 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light will result in poor growth, elongation of stems, and yellowing of leaves. Supplemental lighting may be required to maintain proper light levels.
Temperature Requirements:
Glossostigma spathulatum prefers a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but growth may slow down. Higher temperatures can also be tolerated but may induce melting of the leaves. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature range to prevent stress on the plant and maintain healthy growth.
Soil Requirements:
Glossostigma spathulatum can grow in a variety of substrates, including sand, gravel, and soil. However, it prefers nutrient-rich substrates with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.5-7.5. The substrate should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging. The addition of fertilizers, such as iron-rich fertilizers, can aid in healthy growth and the development of vibrant green leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn. plant prefers to grow in a sandy substrate with good drainage. It also requires moderate to high lighting if it is to thrive in an aquarium or aquatic environment.
It is essential to maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth. Maintaining a temperature between 24-28 degrees Celsius is also vital.
You can propagate the plant by chopping its stem into several pieces, planting the stem pieces about one inch apart with the substrate's surface. You can also plant this plant in freshwater ponds and streams, as long as it is exposed to enough light.
Watering Needs
Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn. plant prefers water that is slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is also essential to keep the water temperature between 24-28 degrees Celsius; otherwise, the plant may not grow optimally.
It is best to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn. plant requires a nutrition boost from fertilizers that contain iron, potassium, and phosphorous. Choosing a well-balanced fertilizer with NPK ratio 4-6-2, Tri-mix tablets fertilizers or substrates like ADA Amazonia, can provide sufficient nutrients for healthy plant growth. The application rates should follow the manufacturer's instructions.
It is advisable to fertilize the plant once or twice a week to ensure a healthy and robust growth rate. If necessary, adjust the fertilizer concentration based on water changes or other variations in the aquarium's environment.
Pruning
To prevent the Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn. plant from growing too thick and preventing light from reaching its lower parts, it is essential to prune it regularly. Pruning helps to encourage lateral growth and maintain the stem's density at a healthy level.
Trimming the plant regularly using scissors and shears should be done by removing the upper part of the plant, but not too much of it to avoid damaging the delicate root structure.
It is essential to clean the pruned plant matter's debris regularly to prevent the water from becoming cloudy, which can lead to various aquatic health problems.
Propagation of Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn.
Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn. is a popular aquarium plant that can be propagated through different methods, depending on the gardener's preferences. The following are some of the methods:
Dividing Mature Plants
To propagate Glossostigma spathulatum by dividing mature plants, take a sharp, sterile tool and carefully cut a portion of the parent plant that has a few leaves and a healthy root system. Such a part can grow into a separate plant when planted upright in aquarium soil. Besides, it would be best if you trimmed any damaged or wilted foliage to encourage healthy growth.
Planting Broken Stem Cuttings
If there are accidental broken branches or roots from the plant, rather than disposing of them, they can be planted in a new area in the aquarium. Cut a clean and healthy piece of the broken plant and plant it in the substrate. Water it with care, and the plant should produce roots naturally.
Seeds Propagation
Glossostigma spathulatum can also be propagated by growing seeds. Collect the seeds from mature plants and place them on well-prepared soil. Ensure that the soil stays hydrated to help with germination. It's important to note that seed propagation is less popular as it can be challenging to obtain a healthy plant and slow to grow compared to the other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn.
Glossostigma spathulatum (Hook.) Arn., commonly known as small mud-mat or tongue-leaf sword, is a popular aquarium plant and is often cultivated as a ground cover in aquariums. However, like any other plant, Glossostigma spathulatum is vulnerable to a number of pests and diseases which can affect its growth and development. In order to maintain healthy and thriving plants, it is important to minimize the incidence and spread of diseases and pests in the aquarium. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Brown algae: One of the most common diseases affecting Glossostigma spathulatum is brown algae. It appears as a brown slime on the leaves, and it can quickly spread and cover the entire plant. One way to manage brown algae is to reduce the amount of light in the aquarium and to increase the frequency of water changes. It is also important to clean the aquarium regularly and to remove any decaying organic matter. Finally, adding algae-eating snails or fish to the aquarium can help to keep brown algae under control.
Black algae: Another common disease is Black algae. This forms dark spots on the leaves, which can quickly spread and turn into large masses. To manage black algae, it is important to minimize the amount of light in the aquarium and to keep the water clean to prevent the accumulation of nutrients. Scraping the infected leaves with a toothbrush or other sharp object can also help to remove black algae.
Pests
Snails: Snails are a common pest known for eating aquarium plants, including Glossostigma spathulatum. To manage snails, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the aquarium and to avoid overfeeding the fish. Manual removal of snails and the use of snail traps can also be effective. Alternatively, introducing snail-eating fish or snail-eating shrimp to the aquarium is a natural way to manage snail populations.
Aphids: Aphids are another common pest that can infest Glossostigma spathulatum plants. These tiny insects suck on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities. To manage aphids, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the aquarium and to ensure that the aquarium is well-ventilated. Aphid infestations can also be controlled through the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases is important for maintaining healthy and beautiful Glossostigma spathulatum plants in the aquarium. By being vigilant and taking proactive steps to prevent infestations or outbreaks, you can ensure that your plants thrive and contribute to the overall beauty of your aquarium.
