Flame Moss

Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum ‘Flame’) is known for the unique way it grows – in a distinct upward twisting pattern when attached to driftwood or rock resulting in a flame-like appearance. Its peculiar appearance makes it one of the most popular mosses in the aquascaping and freshwater shrimps hobbies. Flame moss is regularly used as a decorative plant in aquariums because it’s loved for its low maintenance requirements.

In its natural habitat, Flame Moss will grow attached to bushes in slow-moving rivers. When compared to other mosses, the flames of this moss are a deeper green color. Flame Moss can become thick and somewhat bushy as well.

Flame moss can be grown completely submerged or emersed. When emersed it will grow slowly and when submerged, it grows fairly fast and will glow a healthy green. It is recommended to have this plant submerged so you can see this plant’s real potential.

Like other mosses, Flame Moss grows from rhizoids and can attach itself to hardscape quite easily. These rhizoids will serve to anchor the moss to hardscape and absorb the nutrients the plant needs.  It can be attached to your aquarium hardscape or left afloat (although, be careful if left afloat because it can get sucked up into your filter). If you want to attach this moss to your hardscape, then it’s important to note that this moss needs a little time to securely attach itself or you can use a small amount of plant glue or tie down with thread so the rhizoids are able to establish themselves on your hardscape. In order to propagate this moss, simply cut the moss into smaller pieces with Scissors. Then, attach the Flame Moss pieces wherever you’d like them to begin growing.

Although CO2 is not absolutely necessary, CO2 injection will result in the best growth and brightest coloration of Flame Moss. Flame moss doesn’t require nutrient supplementation for speedy and healthy growth, but adding Plant Fertilizer to your tank would result in a more greener, more bush-like appearance. Without CO2 or added nutrients, simply keep a well-maintained aquarium to set yourself up for success.

Like Christmas Moss or Java Moss, this plant doesn’t need much to be able to grow. Low to medium lighting between at about 8 hours a day is recommended if you want your Flame moss to thrive. Make sure to avoid too much light as it can cause an algae bloom, and once an algae problem has taken over your moss, it’s nearly impossible to fix.  Make sure to keep your tank clean and do not use too much light!

Place of origin: South and South-East Asia
Maximum height: 7  – 10 cm
Growth rate: Slow
Lighting: Low-Moderate, 8 hrs per day min
CO2: Low
Demands: Easy
Position range: Foreground to Background
Type: Planted, attached or free floating
Substrate:
Propagation: Rhizome Division
Temperature range: 20 – 28°C
pH: 6 – 8
Hardness: 4-18°N dGH