More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | unknown |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | slow |
| Temperature Tolerance | 15°C / 59.00°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-14 kh |
| pH Value | 5-7 ph |
| Light | low-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 20-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Vesicularia montagnei, commonly known as Christmas Moss, is a creeping moss native to the Asian tropics. It exhibits a distinctive growth pattern with shoots resembling fir tree branches. With triangular-shaped submerged fronds and small leaves standing at nearly right angles to the stem, this moss is characterized by its dense lateral shoots.
Aquarium Suitability
Christmas Moss is suitable for aquariums and is considered easy to grow, making it a popular choice among hobbyists. It can be attached to rocks and driftwood using a thin nylon thread. The moss thrives under moderate to strong lighting conditions, enhancing its aesthetic appeal in aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Under low light, Christmas Moss may not branch as readily, but it still maintains its overall beauty. It grows at a slow pace and is comparable in ease of cultivation to other commonly kept moss species like Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana). Propagation is simple and achieved by cutting off parts that can independently continue to grow.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquascaping, Christmas Moss serves as an epiphyte, commonly utilized on hardscapes in nano tanks. It offers interesting layout possibilities for paludariums and moist terrariums when grown emersed on a moist substrate. The moss also serves as a plant for spawning activities in aquarium settings.
Propagation
Propagation of Vesicularia montagnei can be achieved through splitting or cutting off daughter plants. This straightforward method allows for the rapid expansion of the moss within the aquarium environment.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, Christmas Moss grows emersed on moist, shaded riverbanks and forest soil in the Asian tropics. While it may be sold under various names in the aquarium trade, it is not native to South America despite some false labeling. Its distribution is primarily concentrated in Asian regions where it thrives in humid and shaded environments.