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

Mayaca does best under moderate to bright light, where its lower stems stay green instead of yellowing and dropping. It grows without CO2 but is faster and fuller with it, plus a nutrient-rich substrate. Plant the fine stems close together in the mid to background and trim and replant tops to keep it dense.

In the wild

Mayaca fluviatilis has slender stems densely clothed in tiny, needle-like light green leaves that give it a soft, moss-like appearance. It grows in shallow, slow streams and swamps, often trailing in gentle current. The fine texture contrasts nicely with broad-leaved plants.

Good to know

Mayaca fluviatilis is the best known member of the small family Mayacaceae, which contains only the genus Mayaca. Despite the common name bog moss it is a true flowering plant, not a moss. Its needle-like leaves and delicate structure are unusual among aquarium stems.

Did you know

Despite being called a bog moss, it is a flowering plant and only looks moss-like because of its very fine, needle-shaped leaves.

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