Glossostigma elatinoides (Baby Tears)

26 September 2026

Glossostigma elatinoides is a small, fast-growing aquatic plant from Australia and New Zealand that is widely used to create a low foreground carpet. Its delicate, opposite leaves spread along the substrate when supplied with strong light, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and suitable planting conditions. It is best suited to established aquariums because insufficient light or unstable carbon availability can lead to sparse growth and upward-reaching stems.

Identification

Glossostigma elatinoides is a delicate, creeping amphibious herb with small rounded to spoon-shaped leaves arranged in opposite pairs. In submerged culture, it produces runners that root at the nodes and can form a dense low mat. Aquarium specimens are commonly sold as tissue-cultured portions, but the growth form may vary during transition from emersed to submerged growth.

Planting

Separate a tissue-culture portion into many small pieces, rinse away the growing medium, and plant each piece shallowly into the substrate with tweezers. Leave enough space between portions for runners to spread. Planting too deeply can bury the crown, while loose planting may allow newly placed pieces to float.

Light and carbon

High light is important for compact horizontal growth. A reliable carbon supply, usually provided through injected carbon dioxide, greatly improves establishment and spreading. Under weak light or inconsistent carbon availability, the plant may grow vertically, become thin, or be outcompeted by algae and taller plants.

Substrate and nutrients

Use a fine-grained substrate that holds small roots and runners without compacting excessively. Maintain steady access to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace nutrients through the substrate and water column. Avoid covering the developing carpet with detritus, and maintain good circulation without uprooting the plants.

Trimming and maintenance

Trim the carpet when it becomes too thick or begins to lift from the substrate. Remove lifted sections and replant healthy runners rather than allowing trapped debris to accumulate underneath. Regular removal of algae and dead leaves helps preserve an even, low-growing cover.

Suitability

This species is most reliable in mature, well-lit aquariums with stable carbon dioxide and nutrient levels. It is a demanding foreground plant and is not an ideal first carpeting species for low-tech setups. Identification is consistent with Glossostigma elatinoides, although aquarium plants sold under trade names can vary in form and growing history.

Plant info

Colors: Green, Light green
Difficulty: Advanced
Origin: Australia
Usage: Foreground
Type: Carpeting stem plant
Growth rate: Fast
Height: 2-5 cm
Light demand: High
CO2: High

Related on Plants

Leave your comments

Latest on Plants

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame' (Flame moss)

Easy

On rock or root

Flame moss is a distinctive aquatic moss sold under the trade name Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame'. Its narrow, upright shoots twist and curl as they grow, creating a flame-like texture rather than a flat carpet. The exact species identity and geographic origin are not reliably established from the supplied material, so this article treats it as a cultivated Taxiphyllum form with conservative care guidance.
Elatine hydropiper (Water Pepper)

Advanced

Foreground

Elatine hydropiper is a very small, low-growing aquatic plant used to form a dense foreground carpet. The supplied label identifies the plant as E. hydropiper, and the appearance is consistent with that use, although a definitive identification would require botanical examination. It is best suited to established aquariums with strong light, nutrient-rich substrate, stable conditions, and reliable carbon dioxide supplementation.
Echinodorus 'Reni'

Easy

Middleground

Echinodorus 'Reni' is a distinctive aquarium cultivar known for its compact growth habit and striking coloration. Its leaves transition through shades of reddish-brown to dark green, making it an excellent centerpiece plant for smaller aquariums. This rosette plant is relatively undemanding and adapts well to various water conditions, provided it receives sufficient nutrients through the substrate.
Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Pearlwort)

Advanced

Foreground

Hemianthus callitrichoides is widely recognized as one of the smallest aquarium plants available, making it a staple for creating lush, low-growing carpets in aquascapes. Native to Cuba, this delicate plant features tiny, rounded leaves that spread across the substrate. It requires significant attention to light and nutrients to thrive and maintain its characteristic dense, ground-hugging growth habit.
Marsilea hirsuta (Dwarf Cloverleaf)

Easy

Foreground

Marsilea hirsuta is a popular aquatic fern often utilized as a foreground carpet plant in aquascaping. It is characterized by its clover-like leaves, which can vary in appearance depending on whether the plant is grown submersed or emersed. This hardy species is well-regarded for its adaptability, making it a suitable choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking for a lush, green carpet.
Cryptocoryne wendtii (Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya)

Cryptocoryne wendtii Mi Oya is a robust and highly adaptable aquatic plant originating from Sri Lanka. It is favored by aquarists for its distinctive, hammered leaf texture and rich, brownish-red coloration. This variety is an excellent choice for the middleground of an aquarium, providing a striking contrast against green foliage and creating a natural, established aesthetic.
Cryptocoryne undulatus 'Red' (Red Undulated Cryptocoryne)

Cryptocoryne undulatus 'Red' is a striking aquarium plant known for its distinct, wavy-edged foliage and deep reddish-brown coloration. This cultivar is highly valued for its ability to adapt to various water conditions, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers looking to add a vibrant focal point to their midground aquarium layouts.
Hydrocotyle tripartita (Cloverleaf)

Hydrocotyle tripartita is a popular, fast-growing aquatic plant known for its distinctive three-lobed, clover-like leaves. Often used in aquascaping to create lush carpets or dense, bright green bushes, this species is highly adaptable. It thrives in well-lit aquariums and responds positively to CO2 supplementation, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists looking for rapid growth.
Vesicularia dubyana 'Christmas' (Christmas Moss)

Christmas Moss is a popular aquatic moss characterized by its distinct triangular, fir-like branching pattern. Highly valued in aquascaping, it creates dense, lush carpets or textured surfaces when attached to hardscape. It is relatively adaptable, making it a suitable choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists looking to enhance the aesthetic complexity of their planted aquarium setups.
Bucephalandra sp. (Needle Leaf)

Bucephalandra sp. Needle Leaf is a highly sought-after, slow-growing aquatic plant known for its narrow, elongated leaves and compact growth habit. Native to the streams of Borneo, this rheophyte thrives when attached to hardscapes like rocks or driftwood. Its distinct foliage adds texture to the foreground or midground of aquascapes, making it a favorite for planted aquarium enthusiasts.
Bucephalandra sp. Kedagang (Bucephalandra)

Bucephalandra sp. Kedagang is a slow-growing aquatic plant originating from Borneo. Highly valued for its striking, dark, wavy-edged foliage and distinct silvery spots, it is a popular choice for aquascaping. This rheophyte thrives when attached to hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood, providing a sophisticated, textured appearance to the foreground or midground of a planted aquarium.
Bucephalandra pygmaea (Bukit Kelam)

Bucephalandra pygmaea, commonly referred to as Bukit Kelam, is a popular rhizomatous plant originating from Borneo. Known for its distinctively wavy, dark green leaves and resilience, it is highly sought after for aquascaping. This plant thrives when attached to hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood, providing an elegant aesthetic to the middleground of a planted aquarium.
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (Brazilian grass)

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a popular foreground plant known for its grass-like appearance. It spreads via creeping runners, eventually forming a dense carpet in the aquarium. While it can be challenging to establish, it provides a natural aesthetic. This species thrives in well-lit tanks and benefits significantly from supplemental carbon dioxide and nutrient-rich substrates to maintain growth.
Rotala rotundifolia 'Bonsai' (Rotala 'Bonsai')

Rotala rotundifolia 'Bonsai' is a compact aquatic stem plant highly valued in aquascaping for its small, rounded leaves and manageable growth habit. Unlike other Rotala species that grow tall and wild, this cultivar maintains a dense, upright structure. It is an excellent choice for creating detailed textures in the middleground of planted aquariums, provided light and nutrient levels are sufficient.
Eleocharis acicularis (Bonsai Needlewort)

Eleocharis acicularis, commonly known as bonsai needlewort, is a popular grass-like plant for the foreground of aquascaped tanks. This diminutive form creates a dense, carpet-like appearance when provided with sufficient light and nutrients. Its slender, bright green blades spread via underground runners, making it an excellent choice for creating natural-looking grassy meadows in freshwater aquarium layouts.
Anubias barteri (Mini Coin)

Anubias barteri Mini Coin is a compact, slow-growing cultivar of the well-known Anubias barteri. It is highly valued for its small, rounded, coin-like leaves, which make it an excellent choice for the foreground or for attaching to hardscape. This hardy plant is suitable for beginners and thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions.