Fissidens Fontanus from USA
Scientific name: Fissiden fontanus
Common names: Phoenix moss
Family: Fissidentaceae
Maximum size: Infinite
Light needed: Medium
Water conditions: 73.4-82.4°F (23 – 28 C), pH 6.0 – 7.5, water soft to hard
Hardiness: easy to moderate
Growth rate: Slow to very slow
Propagation: By cutting
Distribution: North America. View map.
Color: Green
Additional Information
Fissidens fontanus is an aquatic species usually found in stagnant or slow moving water, but at times emergent because of fluctuating water levels. The plant is usually profusely branched, delicate, and feathery in appearance with leaves often 10 times or more as long as wide.
What’s great about it is that the rhizoids cling on readily to the woods or stones so it doesn’t require frequent re-tying like most moss. It usually takes from a week to a month before it “root” into the rocks or woods. The plant is easy to grow and pretty much maintenance free after it roots down. A low-tech is just perfect to grow this plant. Many aquarists use this species to cover rocks and driftwood to create interesting aquascapes. It will grow along the rock or driftwoods and not just up like riccia and java moss.
Some aquarists have to say that it grows slower than java moss while some others say it’s about the same. In my experiences it grows a little slower than java moss but not much. Stronger lighting and Co2 will help making it grow faster.
Because it grows so slow, Fissidens fontanus is prone to algae issues. For that reason, it would be best to add it to an established aquarium.
This is one of my favorite plant ever. I have been growing this plant for the last 4 years now. If you like aquatic moss, Fissidens fontanus is definitely a must try plant.
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