TankBud

Weeping moss

Vesicularia ferriei

Also known as Weeping willow moss, Vesicularia sp. 'Weeping'

FreshwaterMossDivisionFragmentation

Weeping moss (Vesicularia ferriei)
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
9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Hypnaceae
Origin
China and southern Japan

Overview

Weeping moss is an easy, slow-growing moss that looks best on raised or overhanging hardscape.

Did you know

Weeping moss points its new growth downward, while most aquarium mosses grow upward or outward. It is often planted high on hardscape to create a dripping, willow-like curtain.

Caring for weeping moss

Tie weeping moss to driftwood, branches or stone with thread, or glue it on, and let the shoots cascade. It grows in low light and feeds from the water column, so steady liquid fertilizer matters more than the substrate. CO2 is optional, though it tightens and speeds growth.

It adapts well to soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, from pH 5 to 7.5. Keep flow moving past it, and thin the mat now and then so the inner shoots do not rot or trap mulm. To spread it, pull a clump apart and tie the pieces down.

Good to know

Weeping moss, Vesicularia ferriei (Cardot & Thér.) Broth., is a true moss in the family Hypnaceae. Its overhanging, frond-shaped shoots droop like a weeping willow. Its leaves are more obtuse and rounded than the pointed tips of related Vesicularia species. It is also sold as weeping willow moss.

In the wild

Weeping moss was first imported from China, and it also grows wild in southern Japan. There it lives on wet rocks covered in sandy soil and along moist riverbanks.

Common questions

Does weeping moss need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Weeping 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 weeping moss need CO2?

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

How much light does weeping moss need?

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

How do you propagate weeping moss?

Weeping 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 weeping moss grow?

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

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