December Plant of the Month - Java Moss

[reiverix]

Vesicularia dubyana

Other Names : Java moss

Origin : Southest Asia

Growth Rate : Slow

Planting Area : All

Lighting Level: low - high

Propagation: Division of side shoots

Difficulty: Very easy

Temperature: 60-85 F

Size: Individual strands up to 8" or more

Availability: Common


This is probably one of the most undemanding plants available. If there is one plant that can handle seemingly any conditions it is java moss. It is difficult to think of a plant that is more versatile.

This light/medium green moss is from a group of very primitive plants with no roots and grows in a creeping fashion. It has tiny leaves forming long rows on either side of a very slender stem. It adheres to surfaces with brown root like threads as it travels. This makes it a great choice if you want to decorate some rocks or wood to give a kind of aged look. To attach the moss, just tie it down with some thread or fishing line. I usually arrange it in a criss-cross pattern and avoid overlaying too many strands on top of each other. The more moss that is in contact with the rock/wood surface, the better it will take hold. Rough surfaces give the plant a better grip. It is also common for it to be bound to coconut shells and corkbark. With corkbark, you can create a spectacular looking moss background for your tank. A small clump of java moss can go a long way, so be creative.

As it grows, it will need thinning out just like any other plant. I gently tug at the individual strands and remove any that come out easily. Trimming with scissors works, but be careful to avoid pieces floating around the tank. It can get annoying picking out loose pieces of java moss from filter intakes and in between stems of fine leafed plants.

Apart from looking great as a decorative plant, java moss also has some practical uses. It is really good as a hiding place for fry in breeding tanks and makes a neat spawning bed for certain species of fish. I keep one part of my driftwood covered in moss solely for my cherry shrimp. It is the perfect safe ground for them and is always covered in shrimp from adults to the tiniest hatchlings.

Because of its dense nature, debris can easily accumulate in clumps of java moss so it may need the accassional rinsing out. A quick swish in a bowl of tank water will clean it up nicely.

[Naps]

I just want to know how you guys get your moss to look sooooo good!!

[Sylvia]

Gorgeous plants!

[nursie]

Originally Posted by Naps

I just want to know how you guys get your moss to look sooooo good!!

Reiverix has the Magic Touch. Plants always do well for him.

[reiverix]

This was a tough article to write. Throw in water. Watch it grow

I definitely think it does better if it's not tied down in big clumps. Let it breathe a little. It is always tempting to just stuff it in a hole on some driftwood though.

[nursie]

I just noticed the happy little shrimp sitting on the moss too..awwww!

[DaisyTattoo]

I love my java moss. I have less than 1wpg and it still grows in nicely. My Ghost shrimp love to hide in it too.

[Sylvia]

Aww, I see the shrimp, too!) Unfortunately, the pet stores I go to don't carry java moss. Usually, their plants aren't very healthy. Sniff...

[tetramoon13]

When I first planted my tank, I had some java moss tied to a piece of driftwood. Refused to grow....eventually had to remove it, as it just rotted and died. I wonder if it would be different, now that I have a good handle on my ferts.....I just couldn't grow the stuff!

[Matak]

Once it becomes established in your tank, it will have you wondering if it isn't related to algae somehow, it is that hard to control.

[gambusia]

I have some in three different tanks

In one tank it is growing like weeds

In another it's green and growing but not like weeds (water is much colder though)

And it a third dimly lighted tank it's growing slow but mostly brown.

Still a great plant for fish cover

[Severum]

Very nice! I have kept this plant and have been sucessful with it.