Vesicularia dubyana, or Java moss, is easily able to create lush bushes on rocks or in underwater grottoes, or a green carpet on the bottom of aquariums. Many thin branches are woven together to create a thick, vivid green canvas. Every curly stem of moss has 1-2 mm tiny leaves scattered along its length.
- Where it grows
- Growing and caring for Java moss
- "Ideal" water
- Lighting
- Soil and fertilizers
- How Javanese moss reproduces
- Other varieties
- Options for decorating an aquarium with Java moss
- Video on the topic
- ALL THE SECRETS OF MAINTENANCE OF JAVANS MOSS
- Javanese moss in an aquarium – better than it can be!
- Javanese moss in an aquarium Planting, growing, breeding, how to attach to a snag, YouTube
Where it grows
In its native habitat, hot, humid areas are where Java moss grows most abundantly. The plant is particularly widespread in Java, Malaysia, India, and other Southeast Asian nations.
Growing and caring for Java moss
- Java moss has won the wild popularity and love of aquarists due to its Spartan simplicity and vitality. For breeding, it is enough to tie a moss bush to a snag, stone, or any decorative element in the aquarium. This can be done with a fishing line or regular thread.
- In an optimal thermal and light environment, the moss grows quite rapidly. But even in harsh unfavorable conditions – for example, at low water temperatures, its high hardness or too little lighting – Javanese will slow down or stop growing, but will not die.
"Ideal" water
Water with a pH of between 5.8 and 8 and a temperature between 18 and 30 °C is the most comfortable for the plant. If at all possible, it’s best to stay with the averages: pH 6.2–7.5 and 22–27 degrees Celsius. It is acceptable for water to have a moderate salinity (which is sometimes necessary when treating fish). Hardness KH range recommended: 2–15 °.
Water needs to be thoroughly cleaned. It is unacceptable if there is turbidity, tiny debris, or suspended matter visible. On the surface of the moss cloth, algae will grow and may cause the Javanese to perish.
Lighting
The brave Javanese people will persevere despite perpetual twilight. Under extremely bright lighting, it will show signs of active growth. Therefore, it is essential to give the moss a bright "daylight" that lasts for 6 to 8 hours every day while it is rooting on the chosen surface.
Moderate lighting is the best option for this plant in the future. Ordinary fluorescent aquarium lights with a maximum power of 0.2 watts per liter can accomplish this. This is another advantage of Javanese in the underwater environment, where it is necessary to consider the preferences of all its inhabitants.
Soil and fertilizers
Unassuming Javanese moss doesn’t require particular fertilizers, nutrient substrates, or soil. It suffices to keep an eye on the essential water and lighting parameters for its well-being and rapid growth.
How Javanese moss reproduces
The simplest division of the bush is how the plant reproduces. A tiny portion of the plant—or even a single branch—is meticulously taken out of the surrounding greenery. After that, this "baby" is placed where it belongs.
After a month, artificial fasteners (thread, fishing line) are removed because they are no longer required. The moss bush will start to expand in both width and length as it firmly "sticks" to the embellished surface.
The moss canvas’s height and form are both readily customizable. However, the "haircut" remnants that are floating freely in the aquarium should be removed from the water right away because they will soon grow into independent bushes.
Other varieties
The Java moss variety that aquarists adore and respect the most is Taxiphyllum barbieri. Only its appearance separates this plant from the traditional Vesicularia dubyana.
Lateral shoots adorn the thin stems of Taxiphyllum barbieri, giving each branch the appearance of a Christmas tree. Similar to Vesicularia dubyana, every shoot has microscopic leaves that measure millimeters.
Options for decorating an aquarium with Java moss
Even for inexperienced aquarists, the moss aquarium’s amazing décor is guaranteed by its ease of breeding and maintenance.
In style:
- moss canvas or glades on the bottom, back or side walls of the aquarium (created using a special mesh);
- stone, snag, tree, caves and grottoes entwined with moss;
- islands of moss, floating freely in the water or on its surface.
The chosen base is affixed to the intended surface for the subsequent decoration. It is covered with moss bushes that are fastened with thread or fishing line. The plant acquires the required shape as it develops.
A versatile and low-maintenance plant, Javanese moss can turn any aquarium into a verdant underwater jungle. It is ideal for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its resilient nature and minimal maintenance requirements. Javanese moss improves the look of your aquarium and offers fish and shrimp a secure home, whether it is used as a carpet, affixed to rocks, or left floating.
For tiny fish, the Javanese moss at the aquarium’s bottom acts as a true "children’s room." As such, it can be used to set up a spawning location. It will shield the eggs from being consumed by fish in the aquarium and then give the developing fry food, cover, and safety.
