The versatile plant creates attractive aquascapes in home aquariums, giving the tank a lush, natural ambiance.

Java mosses don’t have roots. Instead, the plants have tiny sticky “feet” called rhizoids, which anchor them in place. The plants grow slowly, at a rate of between 1 and 1.5 inches per month.

When grown underwater, Java moss has smaller greener leaves than when grown on land. Young, newly planted moss is brighter than old moss.

Java moss has aesthetic benefits that give the tank a natural appearance and provide a realistic habitat for fish in captivity.

The plant is a common feature in breeding tanks as a place for fish to lay their eggs, and the moss is known to harbor infusorians, which are ideal food for newly-hatched fry.

Caring for java moss is easy. The plant grows in most water types in the wild and prefers a strong water current, moderately warm water, and a neutral pH.

Java mosses don’t need a special type of substrate because they’re light enough to anchor to any surface or substrate.

When grown underwater in a tank, the plant has several requirements that should be considered during tank set up to mimic its natural damp, warm Southeast Asian habitat.

Java mosses need a surface to grow on, but they’re not picky — the moss will grow on substrate, driftwood, stones, glass surfaces, and tank decorations.

Moderate or dim tank lighting for 8–10 hours per day is fine because the plant is used to growing in shaded conditions in the wild. Bright lighting allows the plant to grow densely but increases algae growth.

The moss is used to moderately warm waters and tolerates temperatures up to 86°F, but it grows fastest in water with a temperature of around 75°F.