Christmas Moss is as mysterious as some of the other mosses in the aquarium hobby. There is no consensus on its geographic origins and even the scientific name has a tendency to change. Its growth habits and appearance are just as varied. When grown attached to a piece of driftwood or rock, it forms triangular fronds in the shape of Christmas trees (hence the common name). If allowed to grow free floating, it tends to have a much less organized appearance and the triangular fronds are much less pronounced. In this form, it is often confused for the much more common
Java Moss. In lower light, it grows much less densely, and again, is often much less organized in structure. Only under higher light conditions, attached or anchored to an object, does Christmas Moss show its true structure. It will form a pillowy bush of triangular fronds that is very attractive and undemanding.
This moss is very easy to grow in the aquarium, as it will grow with almost any amount of light. Although not as hardy as the legendary Java Moss, it will survive with low light and no CO2. Growth will not be the ideal structure and will be considerably slower, but it will still live. Like other mosses,
Christmas Moss prefers cooler temperatures, under 77F. Over this, it tends to suffer, growing more slowly.
As an aquascaping element, its uses are limited to covering hardscape (rocks, driftwood) or creating a moss wall. A moss wall is created by sandwiching the moss between two pieces of mesh and placing this in the back or sides of a tank. The moss eventually grows through the mesh and covers it up, creating a wall of attractive triangular fronds (as seen in the picture above). It can be used as a
carpeting plant, however this is not recommended, as it easily gets choked with mulm and debris and becomes an algae magnet.
Christmas Moss Product Features
- Ideal for making Moss wall as your aquarium backdrop
- Preferred over Taiwan moss as backdrop because of its unique 3-dimensional feel
- Taxiphyllum species like Taiwan moss is flatter, thus commonly used to tie to driftwood
- Optimum temperature for growth is around 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit)
- Slow growing but very hardy
- Great natural hideout for fish fry
- Able to withstand a great variety of water conditions
- Attach to driftwood with sewing thread or fishing line
- Attach to wire mesh / rock / driftwood to keep the moss in the desired place, else it could be floating around
- No carbon dioxide injection required for healthy growth
Christmas Moss - Quick view
pH | 5.8 - 7.5 |
Temperature | 24 to 29 °C (75 to 84 °F) |
Lighting Requirements | Low to High |
Size | 1.5" |
Difficulty | Easy |
Shrimps and fish fry use it as cover and it is also an excellent source of food for both, harboring tiny infusoria (bugs). Overall,
Christmas moss is an excellent
aquarium plants for covering hardscape, filling in gaps, and creating living backdrops in any planted aquarium.
