Gratiola Viscidula Vitro Culture

🌿 Gratiola viscidula – Unique Thorny-Look Hedge Hyssop for Aquascaping

Gratiola viscidula, commonly known as Hedge Hyssop, is a distinctive North American native that has quickly gained attention in the aquarium hobby for its rare and “thorny” submerged appearance. Naturally found in wetland areas, pond margins, and stream edges, this hardy species is adaptable and can thrive fully submerged for extended periods. Its compact, multi-stemmed form makes it a perfect choice for adding texture and contrast to aquascapes.

When provided with good lighting, Gratiola viscidula can be trimmed low to create a dense, carpet-like effect, or allowed to branch and fill in as a lush midground accent. Its stems, approximately 1–2 cm wide, can reach over 10 cm tall, developing into a dense display of intricate foliage. In nature, it produces charming white tubular flowers with yellow centers during summer and fall.

Now available in our premium Vitro Culture® 4-inch bag, each portion yields many healthy plantlets grown in a sterile environment—100% free of snails, algae, pathogens, and pesticides—making it safe for shrimp tanks and sensitive aquariums.

🌟 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Gratiola viscidula Pennell

• Common Names: Hedge Hyssop, Short’s Hedgehyssop, Viscid Hedgehyssop

• Plant Type: Stem Plant

• Placement: Midground / Foreground

• Unique Look: Distinctive “thorny” foliage when submerged

• Adaptability: Can grow fully submerged for long periods

• Environmental Benefit: Helps absorb ammonia and nitrogenous waste

🌱 Growth & Propagation:

• Lighting Needs: Medium–High

• CO₂: Medium demand (6–14 mg/L) – Not strictly required but beneficial

• Growth Method: Stem plant with branching form

• Nutrient Substrate: Required

• Can Be Grown Emersed: Yes

• pH Range: 6.0–8.0

• Growth Rate: Medium

• Difficulty Level: Beginner

🖼️ Aquascaping Benefits:

• Creates a rare texture and unique focal point in aquascapes

• Works well for both low-lying carpets or taller bushy clusters

• Complements other green and red plants with contrasting form

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Sold as a Vitro Culture® plant in a sealed 4-inch bag:

• Contents: Many small, healthy plantlets in nutrient gel or liquid

• Guarantee: 100% snail-free, algae-free, pathogen-free, and pesticide-free

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Pictures shown are for reference only; actual plants may vary in size and color. Growth form may differ when transitioning from emersed to submerged conditions.

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner.

Never release Gratiola viscidula or any aquarium plant into natural waterways. Doing so can disrupt local ecosystems. Dispose of unwanted portions responsibly.