TankBud

Christmas moss

Vesicularia montagnei

Also known as Xmas moss, Vesicularia dubyana var. abbreviata, Vesicularia sp. 'Christmas'

FreshwaterMossCuttingsSide shoots

Christmas moss (Vesicularia montagnei)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
59–86°F
15–30°C
Max height
2 in
5 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Moss
pH
5.0–7.5
Hardness
0–20 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Hypnaceae
Origin
Tropical Asia (South and Southeast Asia)

Overview

Christmas moss is a slow-growing moss of medium difficulty for hardscape and mesh.

Did you know

Christmas moss branches in a flat, overlapping plane. That makes it a favorite for moss walls and tree scapes, where the layered branches read as miniature foliage from across the room.

Caring for Christmas moss

Tie or glue Christmas moss to wood, rock or mesh. It has no real roots and grips on its own within a few weeks.

Christmas moss grows in low light without CO2. Added CO2 and moderate light give the dense, layered triangular fronds it is known for. It feeds from the water column, so dose a liquid fertilizer. Keep the water soft and slightly acidic to neutral, between pH 5 and 7.5.

It grows slowly, so trim it only now and then to keep water moving through the mat. Rinse out trapped debris too, since it is the main cause of browning and algae deep inside the cushion. A cut tip or side shoot can be tied down to start a new patch.

Good to know

Christmas moss, Vesicularia montagnei, is a true moss (Bryophyta) in the family Hypnaceae, not a liverwort. Its name comes from its regular, drooping side branches, which look like the fronds of a fir or Christmas tree. It is often confused with Vesicularia dubyana, the old name long applied to java moss, and sold under that name. V. dubyana branches more loosely and irregularly, with shorter, narrower leaves.

In the wild

Christmas moss is a creeping moss spread widely through the Asian tropics. It grows mostly emersed on moist, shaded riverbanks and damp forest soil. It also tolerates being fully submersed, which is how the hobby uses it.

Common questions

Does Christmas moss need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Christmas moss grows on rock or wood rather than in the substrate. Tie it on with cotton thread or fishing line, or use gel superglue, until it anchors itself.

Does Christmas moss need CO2?

No, but it helps. Christmas moss can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Christmas moss need?

Christmas moss is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

How do you propagate Christmas moss?

Christmas moss propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and tie it down on its own.

How tall does Christmas moss grow?

Christmas moss grows to about 2 in (5 cm) tall. It grows slowly.

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