Gratiola Viscidula care guide
Gratiola Viscidula (Gratiola viscidula) — high light, 18-26 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Gratiola Viscidula (Gratiola viscidula) is an aquatic plant of the family Plantaginaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A compact low-growing stem plant with fine needle-like leaves that form dense cushion-like mats. Under high light, the tips turn reddish, creating a striking gradient effect. Works excellently as a foreground or low midground plant.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Genus: Gratiola
- Scientific name: Gratiola viscidula
- Common synonyms: Sticky Hedge Hyssop
Habitat
Gratiola is a widely distributed genus of small marsh plants (Plantaginaceae) of wet meadows, pond margins and ditches across North America, Europe and Asia. Compact submersed forms are used in foreground aquascapes. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from North America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 8 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: foreground
Placement
Foreground or low-midground stem; densely planted portions form a cushion-like low mat, with red tips developing under intense light. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the foreground under high light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated by cuttings and lateral side shoots; horizontal stems root at every node and quickly extend the carpet. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Low light and shading lead to vertical stretching and loss of compactness; bright light and regular trimming maintain the dense low form.