DIFFICULTY Moderate

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

GROWTH Medium

Biweekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Gratiola viscidula

A fine-textured stem that creeps and can be trimmed low.

Gratiola viscidula forms delicate stems of small leaves that can be grown tall or trimmed into a low, mossy midground mat. It appreciates CO2 and good light to stay compact and bushy.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground
Typical height2–6 in
Typical width2 in
Suggested minimum tank5 gal
Suggested tank height8 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightHigh
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR40–100
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitHigh
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow
Water-column feedingModerate
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–80°F
pH5.5–7.2
GH1–12 dGH
KH0–8 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant small portions in a grid; good light and CO2 drive it to carpet.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Runners / division

Acclimation

Melts back before carpeting if light/CO2 are marginal.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Fails to stay low and carpet without strong light and CO2; lifts if roots are shallow.