TankBud

Stream bogmoss

Mayaca fluviatilis

Also known as Bog moss, Stream bog moss, Mayaca, Mayaca vandellii

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Stream bogmoss (Mayaca fluviatilis)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–7.0
Hardness
2–14 dGH
Spread
2.4 in (6 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Mayacaceae
Origin
Native to shallow, slow-moving streams and swamps from the southeastern United States through Central and South America.

Overview

Stream bogmoss is a fine-leaved stem plant for the background, with a soft, moss-like look. It is of medium difficulty, and its fine texture contrasts with broad-leaved plants.

Did you know

Stream bogmoss is not a moss at all. It is a flowering plant that only looks moss-like because its leaves are so fine and needle-shaped.

Caring for stream bogmoss

Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem and push the stems into the substrate one at a time. Plant them close together near the back of the tank so the group fills in. A nutrient-rich substrate also helps it grow fuller.

Stream bogmoss wants medium light. In dim light its lower stems turn yellow and drop, while in good light they stay green. It grows without injected CO2, but it grows faster and fuller with it. It feeds through its roots and from the water, so pair root tabs or a rich substrate with a liquid fertilizer.

It grows fast to about 16 in (40 cm), so trim the tops and replant them to keep the stand dense. The cut stumps push out new side shoots, which can be cut off and planted once they have a few leaves. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.5 to 7.

Good to know

Stream bogmoss is the best known member of the small family Mayacaceae, which holds only the genus Mayaca. Its slender stems are densely clothed in tiny, light green leaves, a delicate build that is unusual among aquarium stems. It also goes by bog moss and Mayaca vandellii.

In the wild

Stream bogmoss is native to shallow, slow-moving streams and swamps from the southeastern United States through Central and South America. It often trails in the gentle current there.

Common questions

Does stream bogmoss need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does stream bogmoss need CO2?

No, but it helps. Stream bogmoss can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does stream bogmoss need?

Stream bogmoss wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does stream bogmoss need root tabs?

They help. Stream bogmoss takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate stream bogmoss?

Stream bogmoss 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 plant it on its own.

How tall does stream bogmoss grow?

Stream bogmoss grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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