Glossostigma cleistanthum Plant Care
Glossostigma cleistanthum W.R.Barker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Glossostigma cleistanthum, also known as mudmat, is a freshwater aquatic plant native to Australia, New Zealand, India and East Africa. It is a cleistogamous plant, which is a type of self-pollinating plant that can propagate using non-opening flowers.
Every 2–3 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Water Glossostigma cleistanthum every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Glossostigma cleistanthum Native To?
What Is the Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Glossostigma cleistanthum (Glossostigma cleistanthum) belongs to the Phrymaceae family within the Glossostigma genus. Glossostigma cleistanthum is native to Australia, New Zealand, India and East Africa.
Glossostigma cleistanthum displays a low-growing, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Glossostigma cleistanthum produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Glossostigma cleistanthum requires watering every 2–3 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Glossostigma cleistanthum Need?
Glossostigma cleistanthum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Glossostigma cleistanthum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glossostigma cleistanthum Prefer?
Glossostigma cleistanthum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Glossostigma cleistanthum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Glossostigma cleistanthum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Feed Glossostigma cleistanthum every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Glossostigma cleistanthum can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mudwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Glossostigma cleistanthum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Glossostigma cleistanthum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Glossostigma cleistanthum?
Glossostigma cleistanthum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Glossostigma cleistanthum Need?
Glossostigma cleistanthum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Glossostigma cleistanthum is native to Australia, New Zealand, India and East Africa. In cooler regions, grow Glossostigma cleistanthum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Glossostigma cleistanthum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Glossostigma genus — compare its care with other Glossostigma species on PlantoScan.
Glossostigma is part of the Phrymaceae plant family — browse all Phrymaceae genera and species.
Glossostigma cleistanthum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Glossostigma cleistanthum W.R.Barker, family Phrymaceae (first published in J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 15: 72 (1992)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glossostigma cleistanthum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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