TankBud

Spiky moss

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky'

Also known as Spiky Java moss, Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky Moss'

FreshwaterMossDivisionFragmentation

Spiky moss (Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
59–82°F
15–28°C
Max height
2 in
5 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Moss
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Hypnaceae
Origin
Southeast Asia, growing on wood and rock along streams, ponds, and damp banks

Overview

Spiky moss is a hardy, easy moss for wood and rock. It has more structure and height than java moss.

Did you know

Spiky moss has never been given a real species name. After years in the hobby it is still Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky', a cultivated strain known only by its trade label.

Caring for Spiky moss

Tie or glue Spiky moss to wood or rock, and it grips firmly. From there it grows upward into spiky cushions that take well to trimming.

Spiky moss grows in low light without injected CO2. Brighter light with CO2 gives denser, greener, more defined growth. It feeds from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer suits it. It handles 59 to 82°F (15 to 28°C).

It grows at a medium pace. Trim it back now and then, since shaded inner layers thin out and trap debris as the cushion thickens. To spread it, pull a clump apart and tie the pieces down.

Good to know

Spiky moss is a true moss in the family Hypnaceae and a strain of Taxiphyllum, the same genus as java moss, Taxiphyllum barbieri. It is also sold as Spiky Java moss. Its branches grow upward and outward in three dimensions, which sets it apart from the flatter, sprawling java moss. Submersed, it forms dense, dark green cushions with a pointed texture.

In the wild

Spiky moss comes from Southeast Asia. It grows on logs, rocks and damp banks along streams and ponds, much like its relative java moss.

Common questions

Does Spiky moss need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Spiky 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 Spiky moss need CO2?

No. Spiky moss grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Spiky moss need?

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

How do you propagate Spiky moss?

Spiky moss propagates by division and fragmentation. Pull a clump apart into smaller pieces and tie each one down. Pieces that break off keep growing, so pulling a clump apart spreads it.

How tall does Spiky moss grow?

Spiky moss grows to about 2 in (5 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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