(set of 3 stems)
Gratiola officinalis (Gratiola officinalis): the elegance of wild riverbanks
Gratiola officinalis (Gratiola officinalis) is a magnificent amphibious plant native to our regions. With its small tender green leaves, perfectly opposite along an upright stem, it brings a geometric and very structured touch to your aquatic landscapes.
Particularly robust, this riverbank plant adapts wonderfully to fully submerged life in an aquarium, but it will reveal its full potential (and its pretty white or pink tubular flowers) if you let it emerge in a paludarium or an outdoor pond.
Why choose Gratiola officinalis?
- 🌿 A geometric architecture: its symmetrical leaves create a striking visual contrast with plants that have more anarchic or lawn-like foliage.
- 🛡️ Unmatched robustness: as a native plant, it is extremely hardy. It fears neither parameter variations nor our outdoor winters.
- 🦐 An excellent support for microfauna: its upright stems provide perfect pathways for your snails and quality shelter for your water lice.
- 🌸 Easy flowering: in ponds, summer trash ponds, or paludariums, it will offer you delicate flowers from the first warm days.
Planting and cultivation tips
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Light: medium to strong. It likes light to keep a compact shape and prevent its base from thinning out.
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Soil and nutrition: a neutral substrate (like simple sand) suits it perfectly. It draws nutrients directly from the water column, enriched by your tank’s natural cycle.
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Maintenance: it is a classic stem plant. Cut the top when it reaches the surface and replant it right next to the original to thicken your cluster.
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Temperature: 4 to 28°C. It is perfect for unheated tanks, temperate aquariums, and outdoor ponds year-round.
⭐ Tip: plant the stems in small clumps, spacing them a few centimeters apart, so light penetrates well to the base of the stems and your cluster stays dense.
Possible uses
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Low-tech aquarium: in the background or midground, it structures the space very clearly and brightly.
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Pond and natural pool: on the banks or in shallow areas, it purifies the water and offers refuge to amphibians and aquatic insects.
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Wabi-Kusa and paludarium: very comfortable with "feet in the water," it forms superb dense clusters in the humid emergent zone.
FAQ - Gratiola officinalis (Gratiola officinalis)
Is it necessary to add CO2?
No, it is completely unnecessary. Good lighting and the nutrients naturally present in a balanced tank are more than enough for its development.
Can it survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without any problem. In a pond or summer trash pond, its foliage may disappear with frost, but its roots will survive the winter and it will regrow vigorously in spring.
Why do the lower parts of its stems lose leaves?
This is a sign of lack of light at the base. Make sure not to plant it too densely and place it in a well-lit area.
Additional information
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Scientific name: Gratiola officinalis
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Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
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Plant type: perennial amphibious plant
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Light: medium to strong
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Temperature: 4 to 28°C (but the plant survives the harshest frosts)
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Height: 15 to 40 cm (can be kept shorter with regular trimming)
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Packaging: set of 3 stems
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Guarantee: free of rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind.
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Recommendation: as a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild. Our wild aquatic ecosystems are precious and fragile.
