Gratiola Viscidula

Gratiola viscidula

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›Plantaginaceae

📍 North America

Dense, bushy stem plant with tiny paired leaves. Creates an incredibly fine texture. Turns reddish-brown under high light. Great for nano scapes.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't uproot or damage delicate stem plants

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that help control algae without harming plant tissue

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar nutrient requirements and care level

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't disturb the plant and thrive in similar conditions

good

Anubias Nana

Low-light companion plant that creates layered aquascaping with contrasting textures

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that actively controls algae without damaging fine foliage

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing frequency, ensure CO2 supplementation, test water parameters for macronutrient levels, consider all-in-one liquid fertilizers or dry ferts

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaves, reduced light penetration, plant appears smothered

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fauna (shrimp, otocinclus), manually remove affected leaves

Melting

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems weaken and disintegrate

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, ensure adequate CO2 and nutrients, reduce temperature if elevated, remove severely affected portions