Giant Marimo Moss Balls are widely kept as ornamental plants in jars
photo credit: Aquatic Arts
One of the most common aquarium plants is the Marimo Moss Ball. They are commonly grown as houseplants in jars across Japan. These moss balls' oxygen production and nitrate removal are two of the many ways they can benefit an aquarium. Miniature versions of Marimo known as "nano" moss balls are a popular product form. When compared to nano Marimo, our giant Marimo balls are seven to ten times as large. It's safe to say that the diameter of these moss spheres will be at least 2.5 inches. Moss balls can be divided into smaller pieces and each new nano Marimo moss ball will grow from the original.
Because of their long lifespan—up to 200 years and beyond—Marimo balls are treasured heirlooms in Japan. They are a tangible reminder of the love shared among relatives and friends, and are traditionally handed down from generation to generation. The Marimo balls will have grown in size by the time they are passed down to the next generation. Since all they need is fresh water every so often, Marimo balls are sometimes given as "pets" to young children.
Because of their symbolic value, marimo balls are frequently used as favors or decorations at weddings. They can be given as a wedding present to the happy couple, and smaller versions can be given to guests as mementos of the event.
References
Asian Liverwort (Monosolenium tenerum) is a rare, but very popular and attractive species of liverwort for the freshwater aquariumBaby Tears (Hemianthus micranthemoides) A small and vibrantly green plant that requires medium to high lighting
Banana Plant (Nymphoides aquatica) is a rosette plant that is named for its large and highly unique roots
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is a very fast-growing and low-maintenance plant with leaves that closely resemble lily pads in shape and color
Chrismas Moss Xmas Moss for Sale (Vesicularia montagnei) is a rare, but very popular and attractive species of creeping moss for the freshwater aquarium
Coral Moss or Mini Pellia Mat for Sale (Riccardia chamedryfolia) is a rare liverwort from Southeast Asia
Geppi Moss (Fissidens geppi) is a very rare Asian aquatic moss that is occasionally available for the freshwater aquarium
Giant Marimo Moss Balls are widely kept as ornamental plants in jars
Indian Water Fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) This lovely plant is extremely low-maintenance and easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a very popular plant in the aquarium hobby due to its impressive size
Lacy Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus Windelov) this aquatic plant was cultivated from and shares many characteristics with the original Java Fern plant
Madagascar Lace Plant (Bulb) Aponogeton madagascariensis is considered by many to be the holy grail of freshwater aquarium plants
Moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) Moneywort is a popular stem plant that grows quickly and has exceptionally bright green leaves
Phoenix Moss (Fissidens fontanus) This plant is a very fluffy, lush green plant that will attach to most surfaces and can eventually grow into a large mat of impressive size
Rotala indica is a favorite of many planted-aquarium enthusiasts due to the way it adds color and depth to any aquarium in which it is placed
Subwassertang is a great plant to keep in any freshwater aquarium due to its low lighting requirements
Water Wisteria (Hygrophilia difformis) is a surprisingly attractive, yet hardy and undemanding plant that is ideal for the larger aquarium