Wabi-Kusa Mat Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame moss’ has not been fully identified yet, but belongs to the genus Taxiphyllum. Wabi-Kusa Mat Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame moss’ probably comes from East or South-East Asia. Even though it has only been known for a few years, it is relatively popular as aquarium moss, and frequently found in trade. Its popularity as well as its trivial name derive from the characteristic uncommon growth habit that makes this moss unique: under water the shoots do not ramify readily, and they grow upright and spiralling so they look a little like flames. Even though it has only been known for a few years it already has a great popularity in the hobby and is readily available in trade. This popularity (as well as its name) is due to the fact that it has quite an uncommon growth habit that makes it unmistakable: under water, its sparsely ramifying shoots grow in upright spirals, which reminds of flames.
The impression of green darting flames is even enhanced if the moss is attached along entire branches or thin pieces of driftwood.
Genus Taxiphyllum
Difficulty easy
Usage Epiphyte (growing on hardscape), Nano tanks
Growth slow
pH value 5 – 8
Temperature tolerance 12 – 30°C
Carbonate hardness 0 – 14°dKH
General hardness 0 – 30°dGH
Propagation Splitting, cutting off daughter plants
Can grow emersed? yes
