How to Grow and Care for Java Moss

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Plus, why java moss makes a great addition to your aquarium
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Java moss, which is part of the plant family Hypnaceae , is a common aquatic plant used for decorating fish tanks and aquascaping. It’s considered a great aquarium plant for beginners since it is easy to grow, compatible with most fish species, and low maintenance! In this article, we’ll explain java moss’s tank requirements, how to place it in your tank, and how to care for it. We’ll also tell you how this plant can help your aquarium thrive. Read on to learn more!

Planting Java Moss

Drop the java moss into your tank and simply allow it to float—java moss grows without being attached to anything. Or, loosely wrap it around driftwood or a rock and secure it in place with fishing line. Keep the water between 70-75°F (21-24 °C) and provide the moss with bright or low overhead light.

Section 1 of 5:

Tank Requirements and Setup

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  1. Java moss is a freshwater plant that cannot survive for long in marine aquariums (salt water), so make sure you have a freshwater tank ready. Tanks any smaller than 5 US gal (19 L) could crowd your fish as your moss starts to grow, so use a tank larger than this. [1]
    • Java moss can survive in slightly brackish water with a low salt content, but it prefers freshwater. [2]
    • Tap water should work fine, but you may need to add chemicals from an aquarium store, like a water conditioner , to make it safe for plants and fish.
  2. Place a heater in the tank so it stays at a consistent temperature. Java moss prefers cooler water temperatures, but it can tolerate temperatures up to 90 °F (32 °C). This will just cause it to grow much slower than at the lower temperatures. [3]
    • Check the temperature of your tank often to make sure it does not fluctuate. Many pet stores or aquarium shops carry floating thermometers so you can easily check.
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  3. Use a home pH test to check the acidity of your fish tank. If you find that the pH is off, add store-bought chemicals to raise or lower it to the desired level. Just follow the instructions carefully when adding any chemicals to the tank. [4]
    • Test kits or strips can be purchased at aquarium specialty stores or online.
    • Test the pH of the water once per week, especially when you perform a water change.
    • As an alternative to chemicals :
      • Add baking soda, shells, or new rocks to your tank to raise the pH if it is too low. [5]
      • Add peat moss or driftwood to lower the pH if it is too high. [6]
  4. Keep a filter in the tank to provide water circulation. Not only will a filter help keep your water clean, but it will create a current in your tank. Water circulation helps spread nutrients throughout the tank, making it easier for your moss to grow quickly. It also prevents debris from accumulating in the moss, which can harm the plant or cause it to turn brown. [7]
    • Keep the current weak as the moss’s roots are establishing—a strong current could break apart the moss and clog the filter.
    • Keep the moss out of direct flow from the filter to prevent it from getting clogged.
  5. Provide overhead fluorescent or LED lights . Java moss is not picky about its lighting conditions and grows well in low light. But, it will grow differently depending on the brightness you give it. If you want your moss dense and to grow quickly, use bright lights and keep them on for 10 hours. For thinner moss with a darker color, use low lights. [8]
    • While java moss can grow in dim conditions and doesn’t need any specific lighting, it still needs some light to grow. Like all plants, it won’t survive if it doesn’t have any light.
    • In a pinch, a desk lamp secured above your tank will work for a short amount of time.
    • Note : Brighter lights can cause more algae to form in your tank. Keep this in mind if you want to limit algae growth.
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Section 2 of 5:

Adding Java Moss to Your Tank

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  1. Drop the java moss on top of the water if you want it to float. Simply leave a piece of the moss on the surface of the water. It will grow and develop into a floating plant. Be aware that the moss will move around the tank and could catch in a filter, so pull it away if it gets too close. [9]
    • Java moss doesn’t have roots, so it doesn’t need to be planted in a substrate to get its nutrients. It absorbs nutrients from its stem and leaves, so it’s happy to simply float in your tank.
    • Java moss does have root-like rhizoids, which it uses to attach itself to rocks, wood, and other decorations. So, your plant might eventually anchor itself to something in your tank.
  2. Spread a clump of java moss on a piece of driftwood, rock, or other decoration. Then, wrap dark thread or fishing line around the moss and tie a simple knot . The added security from the line helps encourage the plant’s rhizoids to attach to the rock or wood. [10]
    • For example , place a piece of driftwood upright in the tank and tie the moss to the top to make an underwater tree.
    • As an alternative , attach your moss to wood or rocks with aquarium-safe glue . Simply apply a bit of glue to the stems or rhizoids and secure it to the wood or rock. [11]
    • It takes about 1 month for the moss to adhere to the decoration. Then, you can remove the thread with a pair of scissors.
    • Don’t wrap or tie the moss too tightly, as this can prevent it from growing well.
  3. Place the moss between 2 pieces of plastic mesh to make a wall or carpet. On one side of the plastic mesh, spread your moss as evenly as possible. Place the other piece of mesh on top. Then, use a needle and thread to tie the sides of the meshes together. [12]
    • To create a moss carpet : lay the mesh on top of the substrate bottom.
    • To create a moss wall : Attach suction cups to one of the mesh pieces and adhere it to one of the walls of your aquarium.
    • Make sure the materials you use in your tank are non-toxic so it doesn’t contaminate the water.
  4. Once you put the moss in your tank, avoid disturbing it. It will take a couple of weeks for it to fully adhere and become used to the conditions in your tank. [13]
    • Different spots in your tank could affect the current or water flow and cause your moss to grow slower.
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Section 3 of 5:

Caring for Java Moss

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  1. Reach into your aquarium and slowly cut the branches and stems if your moss is getting too long. Simply shape the moss however you want it. For example, if you attached it to a tree, you may want to trim the moss so it’s round and neat. [14]
    • You can let moss grow freely, but it may restrict water flow or make it hard for fish to move around your aquarium.
    • Disinfect the scissors with warm water before putting them in your tank. Any added chemicals could harm the health of your plants and fish.
  2. Use a water siphon to change the water and vacuum the moss weekly. Move the siphon up and down in the water to create suction and start the water flow. Then, hold the siphon near your moss to suck any food or plant particles. Simply control the suction with your thumb at the end of the hose. [15]
    • Have a bucket ready to drain 20% of the water from the tank. Aquarium specialist Craig Morton recommends changing 20-25% of the water at each tank cleaning.
    • Alternatively , completely remove the moss from your tank (if possible). Then, hold it under cool running water to rinse off any debris and buildup. [16]
  3. Algae forms in water with poor circulation and under bright lights. Though your moss will help prevent algae, it may get into your aquarium. Once algae have grown on your moss, it’s very hard to get rid of and should be removed. [17]
    • If you want to keep the moss , gently use a soft toothbrush to scrub the moss. Or, cut off the affected branches and stems. Just be careful not to detach the moss from its base.
    • To help prevent algae buildup, gently shake and spread out the moss’s branches and stems once per week.
    • According to professional aquarist Doug Ludemann, the best way to prevent algae from growing is to do regular “water changes.” He says, “algae is the result of light and nutrients in the water” and there’s really “ nothing you can add to your aquarium that will take anything out.”
    • Another option to help reduce algae is to add algae-eating shrimp and snails to your tank, like amano shrimp and nerite snails. [18]
  4. Add fertilizer to the tank if your moss isn’t growing well. Most java moss plants grow about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per month, so you should notice new, bright green growth fairly quickly. However, if the moss is still the same size after a few months or it’s starting to turn brown, adding an aquarium plant fertilizer can help boost its health and growth. [19]
    • Choose a fertilizer that’s safe to use with the fish and other plants in your tank.
    • Follow the directions on the fertilizer to add the correct amount to your tank.
    • Java moss typically starts to turn brown if it’s not receiving the nutrients it needs. So, adding fertilizer can help it recover. [20]
  5. Take any sized cutting from the moss with a pair of scissors and place it somewhere else in the tank. The cutting will form a new plant and continue to grow wherever it’s placed or attached. [21]
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Section 4 of 5:

Benefits of Growing Java Moss in an Aquarium

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  1. Adding aquatic plants like java moss to your aquarium is a great way to improve the tank’s water quality. Plants remove nitrates and carbon dioxide while adding oxygen, which helps keep the water clean and clear for your fish. [22]
  2. Many species of fish and shrimp like to lay their eggs in java moss, as it provides cover and prevents other animals from eating the eggs. The moss also helps the babies survive once they hatch. The plant gives the babies a place to hide, which keeps other fish from eating them before they’re big enough to defend themselves. [23]
    • For instance, java moss is a great addition if you’re breeding red cherry shrimp.
  3. One of the best parts of growing java moss is that it’s hardy and low maintenance. The plant really only needs cool water and some light to grow! It often thrives on neglect, so even if you don’t give it a lot of light or forget to clean it, it will typically continue to grow. [24]
  4. Whether you attach it to driftwood or let it float freely in your tank, java moss simply looks beautiful when you put it in your aquarium. It gives your tank a lush and natural appearance that you and your fish are sure to enjoy. [25]
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Section 5 of 5:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. Java moss is considered a slow grower and usually grows 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) per month. However, it may grow quicker if you give it a lot of light. It can take 1 month for it to establish itself once you add it to your tank, so you may not see growth for a while. [26]
    • If you have a small tank, the java moss might seem like it spreads out fairly quickly.
    • Luckily, it’s easy to keep java moss from overtaking your tank. Simply trim off the branches to keep it at the size you like.
  2. Java moss is native to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam). It typically grows in rivers and streams, where it attaches itself to rocks and pieces of wood. [27]
  3. Java moss usually grows to be about 4 inches (10 cm) long. However, it can grow slightly shorter or longer. [28]
  4. Yes, java moss is an aquatic plant, so you need to keep it submerged under water at all times. If you keep it out of the water, it will wilt and eventually die. [29]
  5. Java moss typically costs between $5 to $15. However, the exact price depends on the size of the plant and how many you’re buying. [30]
  6. Java moss is a great addition to many fish tanks. Betta fish, angelfish, and a variety of cichlids and plecos like to hide in and munch on java moss. Cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, and nerite snails are also big fans of java moss. [31]
  7. If moss is growing in your tank, you might see small, fuzzy patches or thin strands of green growing on rocks, driftwood, and other plants in your tank. To tell if your java moss is growing, look for new, bright green branches growing from the existing plant. [32]
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      • Java moss can survive in brackish water, but not marine saltwater. [33]
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      • Unlike most plants, java moss gathers its nutrients from its leaves and stems rather than its roots. Make sure the water circulates so nutrients are brought to your moss. [34]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/java-moss/
      2. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      3. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      4. ↑ https://www.ratemyfishtank.com/blog/properly-maintaining-the-ph-in-a-freshwater-aquarium
      5. ↑ https://modestfish.com/how-to-raise-ph-in-aquarium/
      6. ↑ https://theaquariumguide.com/articles/lower-ph-aquarium
      7. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      8. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      9. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/GkfmMNLwTSA?feature=shared&t=271
      2. ↑ https://scapelyfe.com/articles/the-complete-care-guide-to-java-moss
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/p-YCa0lT6JQ?t=2m33s
      4. ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/java-moss/
      5. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      6. ↑ https://aquariumscience.org/index.php/18-1-aquarium-water-changes/
      7. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      8. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      9. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      10. ↑ https://aqualandpetsplus.com/how-to-grow-java-moss/
      11. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      12. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      13. ↑ https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/Aquarium-Fish/Aquarium-Care-and-Maintenance-Aquatic-Plants
      14. ↑ https://aqualandpetsplus.com/how-to-grow-java-moss/
      15. ↑ https://aquascapinglove.com/basics/guide-keeping-growing-aquatic-moss/
      16. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      17. ↑ https://aqualandpetsplus.com/how-to-grow-java-moss/
      18. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      19. ↑ https://aquariumbreeder.com/java-moss-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
      20. ↑ https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Recreation-and-Leisure/Aquarium-Fish/Aquarium-Care-and-Maintenance-Aquatic-Plants
      21. ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/java-moss/
      22. ↑ https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/java-moss/
      23. ↑ https://aqualandpetsplus.com/how-to-grow-java-moss/
      24. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri
      25. ↑ https://www.plantsrescue.com/posts/taxiphyllum-barbieri

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      There are a variety of ways you can add java moss to your aquascape to make it more beautiful. If you want the moss to float on the water, simply drop it into the tank. Or, tie the moss to a piece of driftwood or a rock with some dark thread or fishing line. After about a month, the moss should stick and you can cut away the string. You could also spread the moss over a piece of plastic mesh, place another piece of mesh on top, and tie the sides of the meshes together with string to make a carpet on the floor of your tank. Because it takes a few weeks for the moss to adapt to the conditions in your fish tank, don’t move it around once you add it to your tank. Maintenance is pretty simple: trim it back every week or so with a pair of scissors and keep the water in the tank clean. For tips about how to propagate java moss, keep reading!

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