- Scientific name: Vesiculária ferriei
- Country of origin: Asia
- Genus: Vesicularia
- Family: Hypnaceae – sleeping moss family
- Water temperature: 15 – 30°C
- Water hardness: ideal ph value between 6.0 and 8.0
Weeping moss is also among the designations «weeping willow» or «weeping willow moss» known. The plant is undoubtedly one of the most unusual among the aquarium plants. Due to its special growth form, it creates accents in the design of the tank. For the residents, it is doubly important for the well-being. Care and propagation are easy.
Appearance of the Weeping Moss
Even the name weeping moss or mourning moss indicates the appearance of the plant. When the plant is under water, the character is properly expressed and it unfolds the hanging shoots.
The growth habit is dense and pinnate. The fronds reach a length of up to 4 centimeters and a width of up to 2.5 centimeters. The leaf color of the young shoots develops a light to dark green, while the older shoots appear dark brown to black. The leaves are broad and rounded, ending in a slight point.
The moss reaches a height of 1-3 centimeters. It spreads flatly and reaches up to 10 centimeters.
Design and use in the pool
When designing the tank, weeping moss offers the aquarist a lot of options. The hanging growth form of the branches forms an exciting contrast to other plants and rigid objects. If young shoots sprout in the older plants, a beautiful color contrast is created. The light green color stands out clearly from the dark green and gives variety to the design.
Last but not least, the inhabitants of the aquarium benefit from the growth form of the weeping moss. The animals can hide well under its long and densely growing fronds and observe what is happening in the tank under their protection. Due to its growth form, the black moss looks best in the foreground or middle ground. It looks just as good as a single plant as it does in a group. Until the plant is established, it is advisable to tie it to a rock, root or other object with clear nylon thread.
Since you cannot rely on the growth of adhesive roots, a fixation is also necessary when greening the ground. It is important when installing that the plant can bring out the special feature of the hanging branches. Since the moss grows extremely slowly, it needs little trimming and is therefore a reliable decorative element.
maintenance and propagation
The care of weeping moss in the aquarium proves to be undemanding and easy. If the conditions are right, it thrives and lives up to its name.
The need for light is important. It only develops the characteristic fronds when there is sufficient light, while in the shade it grows low and almost creeping. In addition, if there is too much darkness, the shoots will develop towards the light. In this way they lose the typical sight.
Propagation is by rhizome division. Individual stems are also suitable for cultivation. The separated plant parts are to be tied up or fastened to the ground.
In order for the propagation to succeed, the weeping moss must be unharmed and healthy when planted. If the new plant is given enough time and rest to grow, it will develop slowly but steadily.