Marimo Moss Ball Care

Marimo moss balls are a unique indoor plant type that has recently gained popularity among plant lovers.

These freshwater algae balls are native to Japan, Iceland, Scotland, and Estonia and are not moss but a type of spherical, velvety algae that grows in freshwater. They’re low maintenance, live forever, and can grow 8 to 12 inches in diameter.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need about Marimo ball care, from soil to propagation.

What is a Marimo Moss Ball?

marimo moss ball

The truth is that these bright green freshwater balls, known as Aegagropila linnaei, are not moss. Instead, it is spherical, velvety algae growing in its natural habitats of freshwater to cool lakes native to Japan, Iceland, Scotland, and Estonia.

While these balls can grow yearly at around 0.20 inches, they can survive centuries and be passed down from generation to generation. As a result, the plant is part beautiful and a bit bizarre. The spherical green algae ball also has no central stone or a kernel inside and grows outward slowly.

The truth is that marimo balls can grow between eight to 12 inches in diameter. Another reason to love this plant is the legend behind this unique foliage. It is believed that the two lovers desired to be with each other.

Unfortunately, it was forbidden love, and they fell into the water, where their hearts became one. Hence, the belief is that marimo balls bring you what your heart desires to both the receiver and giver.

The best part is they are low maintenance and live forever to even keep with your betta fish in the same tank.

Marimo Moss Ball Care Tips

marimo moss ball plant care card

When you grow this indoor plant, it is not picky about where it grows regarding containers.

The important thing is it needs clean water to allow the light to pass through. You can grow your marimo balls in an unused freshwater fish tank.

Or you can place them in a glass filled with distilled water or a fancy vase. Another great option is to add other aquarium mosses to make an aquatic garden.

Soil

Marimo mosses do not need soil to grow. Instead, they need a water-filled container to thrive. You can place them in an aquarium to add a fun touch while keeping the water stable and absorbing harmful nitrates. They’re not invasive species, so you don’t need to worry about a Chlorophyta explosion.

Light

marimo moss ball floating

As the Japanese word translates to seaweed ball, it grows at the bottom of the lake floor. So, it is not exposed to direct sunlight but partial light.

Although they rest at the bottom of the lake, they rise on the surface during the day to receive sunlight and release oxygen into the air before sinking back into the bottom of the lake.

Depending on where you live, an east-facing window works best. The same rule applies when growing in a glass container, as it can direct light to create a greenhouse effect and heat the water.

For marimo moss ball care, the water must remain cool, as warm water does not agree with your plant. The truth is that warm water can make your marimo balls turn brown.

We recommend keeping the container away from the west or south-facing window or at least a meter away from direct sun.

Water Filled Container

moss ball in a distilled water

Marimo balls are happiest with distilled or filtered water as they provide better quality to keep your pet comfortable. Another important note is to change the water every two weeks.

Once you notice a buildup of algae stains around the waterline, it helps to wash the container before adding fresh water. We recommend not using any chemical fluids if you need to wash your glass container.

Instead, you can use a clean brush or a sponge to remove stains and rinse them with clean water. You can then refill the container with cool or cold water. Another great thing you can do is cover the container’s bottom with decorative gravel or smooth stones.

Maintaining Your Aegagropila Linnaei

When Aegagropila linnaei grow in their natural habitat, they have a round shape and are kept that way by their natural conditions. The marimo moss lives at the floor base in freshwater lakes and is pulled and pushed along the currents.

The movement around the hard ground makes the marimo balls roll, giving them equal exposure to these conditions to keep the whole ball around. Hence, they grow evenly. Still, if your marimo moss is in a glass container, it does not have those currents, and you need to mimic those effects.

The important thing is to ensure that the marimo balls do not sit on one side of the fish tank for months. Leaving them in the same position will result in the round shape going lost and growing unevenly. Hence, it helps move the moss ball around to simulate the rolling around effect.

You will do this by moving your container around. But if you have too heavy fish tanks to move, gently using a spoon to move the water around helps.

Temperature and Humidity

Marimo moss balls, a unique form of algae, are usually kept in a freshwater aquarium or a glass container. They are sensitive to temperature, and providing the right conditions for their well-being is essential.

The ideal temperature for Marimo balls is typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). This temperature range is suitable for their growth and overall health. It’s essential to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can stress the moss balls and affect their appearance and vitality.

Maintaining a consistent and moderate temperature within this range is key to ensuring that your Marimo moss balls remain healthy and thrive in your aquarium or container.

Fertilizer

Marimo moss balls do not require any fertilizer to grow. They absorb nutrients from the water; changing it every two weeks gives them a fresh supply.

Propagating Marimo Moss Balls

Propagating Marimo balls can be a fun and rewarding process. Marimo balls can be propagated in a few different ways:

Division:

  • Gently remove the Marimo balls from its container.

  • Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the Marimo into smaller pieces.

  • Roll each cut piece into a new spherical shape. You can use your fingers to shape them.

  • Place the newly formed Marimo balls back into their container.

Rolling Technique:

  • Remove the Marimo balls from their container.

  • Gently roll it between your palms to break it into smaller pieces.

  • Shape the pieces into small Marimo moss balls.

  • Please return them to their container.

Separate Layers:

  • Sometimes, Marimo moss balls have distinct layers. You can gently peel these layers apart.

  • Each separated layer can be shaped into a new Marimo ball.

  • Please place them in your container.

Here are some tips for successful Marimo moss ball propagation:

  • Always use clean hands and tools to avoid contaminating the water to keep your Marimo healthy.

  • Make sure the water in the container is clean and free from pollutants.

  • Use a container with the appropriate temperature and lighting conditions to encourage growth.

  • Allow the newly formed Marimo moss balls to settle and retain the spherical shape after propagation.

  • Where possible, use distilled instead of regular tap water.

  • Be patient; the newly formed balls may take some time to grow and develop into larger Marimo moss balls.

Remember that Marimo moss balls are slow-growing, so it might take time to see significant changes after propagating them. You can enjoy a thriving colony of Marimo moss balls in your aquarium or container with proper care and patience.

Moss Varieties

While you can find different types of moss to grow in your aquarium, these two are the best-known found, but they are not moss ball varieties.

Java Moss

java moss

Like your marimo moss balls, the Java is a slow to medium grower. Still, it spreads throughout a fish tank and needs the same water quality as regular tap or distilled water.

In tropical climates, the moss prefers indirect sunlight and grows on riverbanks, rocks, or tree trunks. Adding it to your glass container helps to attach it to something instead of letting it float freely.

Still, ensure you want to grow it before adding it to your fish tank.

Christmas Moss

christmas moss

As with the marimo moss balls, the Christmas moss also helps remove nitrogen from a glass container.

It is an excellent choice for breeder tanks. As small shrimp make a perfect addition to marimo moss balls, it also works well with the Christmas moss.

You can leave the moss free-flowing or attach it to something in the container. Still, this is a fast-growing moss and needs very little maintenance.

Marimo Moss Ball Problems

When it comes to caring for your moss ball, some things can concern you as follows:

Marimo Moss Balls Floating

The biggest concern is that your marimo moss has air bubbles trapped inside. You can gently squeeze the moss balls to help the air bubble pop out. When you add it to the water, your moss ball will sink to the bottom within a day or two.

Moss Balls Developing Brown Spots

Like other plants, a marimo moss ball needs light, and browning indicates that your moss needs a bit more light or the water temperature is too high. Place the container under a grow light if you cannot provide enough light. If you find the water is too warm, it helps to move it to a cooler spot.

Moss Balls Turning White

A white marimo moss ball means it is getting too much light. The best is to move the container to indirect light. If you notice a slimy white substance growing on your moss ball, it is a hostile algae growth and needs removing.

Decaying Marimo Moss Balls

With improper marimo moss ball care, your plant can rot and decay from the inside out. Eventually, it falls apart, turning black. The best is to remove the dead bits and salvage what you can. Provide a clean glass container with fresh water and roll it into a smaller ball before placing it back into the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, marimo moss balls need normal household light but not direct sunlight. They require partial light, just like they receive in their natural habitat at the bottom of freshwater lakes. An east-facing window or a space with bright, indirect light is ideal for them.

Additionally, marimo moss balls need to be exposed to light for only a few hours each day, so be sure not to leave them in direct sunlight for an extended period, as it can harm them.

You should change the water for your moss ball once every two weeks to keep it healthy and happy. Marimo prefers clean, distilled, or filtered water, and changing the water regularly helps remove any accumulated waste and debris.

It also helps keep the water stable and prevents the growth of harmful nitrates. When changing the water, gently roll the moss ball between your hands to remove debris or dirt. Additionally, it’s a good idea to rinse the container with clean water before refilling it with fresh water.

Yes, Marimo moss balls can die if not cared for properly. While low-maintenance, plants still require certain conditions to thrive, such as clean water, proper lighting, and regular maintenance.

If the water they are in is not changed frequently enough, it can become dirty and lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, which can harm or kill the marimo. Similarly, if the water is too warm or too cold, it can cause the moss ball to turn brown or die.

Additionally, if the marimo is not exposed to enough light or if it is exposed to bright sun for extended periods, it can also harm or kill them. Yet, if cared for properly, marimo can live for many years and even decades.

Yes, you can propagate a marimo moss ball through division. To propagate a Marimo moss ball, gently remove it from its container and divide it into smaller pieces using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Be sure to sterilize the blade before cutting to prevent introducing any harmful bacteria or fungi to the plant.

Once you have divided the moss ball, place each piece in a separate container with clean, filtered water. Change the water every two weeks and keep the plant in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight. With proper marimo moss ball care, the new moss balls will grow slowly, eventually reaching the same size as the parent plant.

It’s important to note that propagation is unnecessary and should only be done if you want to create more Marimo moss balls or if the parent plant has become too large for its container.

No, Marimo moss balls do not require fertilizer. They absorb nutrients from the water.

Yes, you can keep Marimo moss balls with fish in a tank. They help maintain the water quality by absorbing harmful nitrates to keep your fish healthy.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

Plantly Menu