Tips & Tricks to Grow Pelia Moss? (Complete Guide for Beginners)

Aquatic Pelia moss is grown in many ways. Moisture is the primary ingredient for enriching the Pelia moss in the aquarium. Keep the plant in an area where they can easily find the water or air with high humidity.

When the condition is met, the plant would find its way and start flourishing. Pelia moss doesn’t need ample space to grow in small areas with low light conditions. 

Grow Pelia Moss
Grow Pelia Moss

Pelia moss is quite similar to any other moss plant. It doesn’t contain steps or the root structure.

The design of the moss plant enables it to spread in any direction. As the leaves start growing, you will see the plant is making fast progress and occupies the available area around it.

If you plan to decorate your aquarium with a densely populated green structure, then the Pelia moss plant is the perfect candidate to develop a mini underwater forest. 

Pelia moss develops the natural feel in the aquarium with its unique appearance. 

Place the plant on the rocks or driftwood, or even lay it down at the bottom of the fish tank; they look fantastic. Leave it near the water surface to create the floating plant.

The green color with the tiny leaves and extensive reach makes green lawns. 

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All types of aquatic moss plants are easy to propagate. The plant grows at minimum resources and in low light conditions as well. Thus, they are perfect for Aquascaping for any experience level.

How to grow Pelia moss?

Pelia moss is the most popular aquatic moss plant used to decorate fish tanks.

The wild species has become the first choice of aquarist because of its unique characteristics. It consists of beginner-friendly qualities, which makes the plant more widely used in aquarium development. 

It can thrive in low light conditions and produce in all weather conditions.

Sturdy nature helps the Pelia moss sustain into challenging water conditions.

The following step-by-step guides will teach you how to grow the Pelia moss plant quickly.

1) Setting up a tank

  • Prepare the freshwater tank about the size of 5 US gal or 20 liters. 
  • Pelia moss cannot survive in seawater; thus, place the plant only in freshwater as they are found in river bodies, lakes, or moist ground.
  • Pelia moss can survive comfortably in brackish water conditions. Also, the low salt content in the water is manageable, so there is no need to worry if the water appears dark.
  • Using tap water would be allowed, but before placing the Pelia moss plant in the tank, add the chemicals that stabilize the water and make it suitable for the aquarium plant. Aquarium stores sell chemicals to make the water ideal for fish and other marine life.

2) Water temperature

Depending on your region, the Pelia moss plant water should be adjusted to simulate the natural habitat.

The plant needs a water temperature between 70–75 °F (21–24 °C).

In cold weather conditions, use the heater to gain the water temperature. Cold water slows down plant growth.

Pelia moss is susceptible to water temperature change.

The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 90 °F (32 °C). 

Keep tracking the temperature to ensure it stays stable in all weather conditions and does not affect the living species.

Place floating temperature measurement device, so you do not have to rely on assumptions.

The device will indicate the temperature in real-time and alert you when the condition changes.

3) pH level

Testing the pH level is a crucial process. It is one of the aspects of the aquatic water that affects the species in the tank.

A rising pH level indicates the acidity of the tank. Growing pH levels will develop various health problems in the fish. 

Hence, avoiding it is not an option. Balancing it to a suitable condition is vital for keeping the water stable.

Consult with the storekeeper to know what kind of chemicals to use to balance the pH level in the tank.

Another way to raise the pH level is by adding new rocks or shells. 

4) Powerful filtration

The filtration device in the aquarium performs duel activities. Filteration supports cleaning the water by removing the waste produced.

Another benefit you will get from the filtration is that the water circulation in the tank stays stable. It stabilizes the water flow in all corners of the tank and provides a balance aquatic environment that supports the faster growth of the Pelia moss plant. 

Moreover, the water circulation in the tank spreads the nutrition equally throughout it and makes it easier for the species to grow. Pelia moss plants will flourish in the aquarium and reach significant heights.

5) LED lights

Pelia moss plant requires sufficient light exposure to produce food. LED lights are perfect for aquatic plants because they emit a high amount of UV light.

The plant uses UV lights to run the photosynthesis process. When the light condition is low, the plant growth will slow down. Thus, get the ideal LED that offer decent light exposure and maintains a stable brightness.

Avoid too bright light as it promotes algae growth in the tank.

6) Planting Pelia moss

Once you are done with the water condition, the next step is to place the Pelia moss plant in the tank.

Use substrate to create the underwater forest. Even you can leave a piece of Pelia moss plant on the water’s surface.

Slowly the floating plant will spread in the area and cover the entire surface of the tank. 

Floating plant moves with the water current, so they might end up in the corner and get stuck to the filter or any other substrates.

You may have to adjust the placement more often to keep them in the equality spread. 

The Pelia moss plant propagation technique is relatively simple. It doesn’t require special care to grow.

As the plant reaches a decent height, you will be able to create a fantastic structure.

Is Pelia Moss easy to Grow in an Aquarium Tank?

Yes. Pelia moss plants are pretty easy to grow. You do not need special care to maintain plant growth.

The aquarist can place the Pelia moss plant in the water and permit it to expand on the broader region. 

The plant can also grow in low light conditions, so you do not need to place bright light.

Although bright light may support the faster growth of the Pelia moss, it would also allow algae to increase around the Pelia moss plant and start contaminating the water.

Tips to successfully grow Pelia Moss plant in Aquarium Tanks

Like any other aquarium plant, the Pelia moss also requires a stable water condition.

Since the aquarium plants are easy to grow, they don’t need special care. Leaving the plant on top of the water will also support faster growth.

At the surface, the UV light exposure will be high; thus, Pelia moss will thrive quicker and gain more space.

  • Water condition plays a critical role in the growth of the plant. Simulate the natural habitat using regular water changes and maintain a balanced temperature to support the development.
  • Waste product development will affect the nitrogen cycle in the tank. When the plant experiences a change in the water condition, it will become more alert and reduce the growth rate to face the difficult time. You may see slower growth as the plant notice the chemical development.
  • Fluctuating pH levels also make it hard for the plant to grow and reach a level that cannot be expanded. Thus, balancing the pH level is critical to making quick progress and meeting anticipations.
  • Use liquid fertilizer to support the faster growth. It helps the plant to multiply in the water. Many brands offer organic aquatic fertilizers that consist of nutrients.
  • Adding CO2 is also an effective way to support the faster growth of the Pelia Moss. Plant use CO2 during food production and releases Oxygen as a by-product.

Growing methods of Pelia Moss

Pelia moss doesn’t contain the stem or the root structure. It doesn’t resemble regular plant leaves.

Also, the leaves of the plant are not technically considered ordinary leaves because their microscopic version indicates the plant leaves are made of entirely different biological systems.

The green portion of the plant is known as the Thallus. The structure divides into fork-like branches.

There is no fixed formula to grow the Pelia moss plant. Ultimately, the plant requires a natural habitat where it can produce adequate food and support growth. 

  1. Place the Pelia moss plant into the water and submerge to allow it receives sufficient moisture.
  2. Use the substrates to keep the Pelia moss plant in place so they cannot move around with the force of water.
  3. Keep the water temperature suitable so that the plant can thrive comfortably.
  4. Perform regular water changes to balance the water condition.
  5. Use the pH level measurement device to see how the water is performing. You should immediately change the water or clean the tank if the water has become contaminated.

Growing surfaces of Pelia Moss

Pelia moss can be grown on various surfaces. The plant is quite flexible and provides easy propagation on all surfaces.

Fix the plant on the substrate, and it will occupy the space around it and take the shape of it. Here is the detailed guide on how to grow the Pelia moss on the various available surfaces.

Gravel:

 Gravel is used at the bottom of the tank. Pelia moss bushes will offer hiding space to the fish and make them feel comfortable. Create the bush structure with the Pelia moss and make the bottom layer green.

Driftwood: 

When it comes to creating the green plant submerged under the water, driftwood would be a perfect solution to develop plant-like structures. Fix the small portion of the Pelia moss plant on the driftwood and allow it to grow around the wood.

Mesh:

Build a mesh at the bottom of the tank or back of the aquarium. The mesh structure provides an ideal solution to aquarium decoration. Also, once the plant is grown fully, it will clean the water and give the necessary support to the species in the aquarium.

Can we grow Pelia Moss in a dry start method, or should it be submerged?

Yes. It is possible to grow the Pelia moss using the dry start method. The aquatic plant requires sufficient moisture around the plant to spread and occupy enough space.

The structure of the plant quickly spreads in different directions and covers the substrate giving it a beautiful appearance. 

Keeping the Pelia moss out of the water will make it easy for them to thrive. Also, the open air offers unlimited carbon dioxide (CO2), which directly contributes to faster growth.

However, you must ensure the surrounding area is always moist; otherwise, the plant will dry out soon.

The plant grows at a decent rate when the Pelia moss plant is submerged under the water. The plant’s growth rate depends on the water condition and light exposure.

Maintaining these two vital elements will give it a perfect recipe to grow and flourish faster.

Main problems of keeping & growing Pelia Moss

Pelia moss plant is not difficult to propagate, but some situations may affect the plant growth. Let’s find out what makes the Pelia moss hard to grow.

Incorrect caring methods: 

Even though the plant is sturdy, there will be a time when the plant grows slowly. The reason for that would be the incorrect caring methods. 

Algae: 

Most common problem found in the Pelia moss is algae growth. When the condition becomes suitable for the algae, you will see an exponential shift and find it hard to prevent algae from taking over the Pelia moss. Regular cleaning is the only way to prevent algae growth in the aquarium.

Snails: 

The nails would start residing in the Pelia moss plant. You have to be alert when the snails take place in the plant. It may start damaging the plant, and you will have trouble protecting it. Also, some snail species eat the Pelia moss plant leaves.

Turning brown color:

 Change in the water condition is another problem in the Pelia moss plant. Leaves will turn brown and making it difficult to thrive. Brown leaves lack the pigments that support photosynthesis.

Thus, when a large area covers with brown leaves, the plant cannot produce sufficient food. As a result, the growth plummets, and eventually, the plant dies.

Dying: 

The plant will sometimes have serious trouble due to water conditions or temperature changes. Check the water condition regularly and ensure the pH level is maintained.

Dying Pelia moss can be recovered with the proper maintenance technique; however, you must be more alert to what is happening in the tank.

If you find the plant is going through a tough time due to contamination, chemical growth, or anything that could affect the plant, then you must take care of the plant more often.

Enemies fish:

 Protecting the Pelia moss plant from the fish is another challenge that every aquarist face in their lifetime. Pelia moss plant is not poisonous, so there is no harm in using the plant.

Some fish prefer eating the plant’s tiny leaves and using it as their regular food for survival.

How can my Pelia Moss plant grow fast?

Pelia moss plants require stable habitats where they can consume sufficient UV light to produce necessary food and balance water. When both the conditions are met, the plant thrives and grows faster. 

Also, you can use CO2 to promote faster growth. The CO2 level helps the plant in growing the plant faster and enables the plant to produce food.

Pelia moss plant is susceptible to change, so use it carefully. If the plant detects a difference in the water condition, it will slow down its growth.

Provide sufficient light exposure with the nutritional food so the plant can grow and achieve healthy growth.

How to trim Pelia Moss correctly?

Pelia moss plant grows faster when the condition is proper in the aquarium. Untouched Pelia moss plant will grow in any direction and cover the swimming area of the fish.

It will spread wherever it finds space and occupy the area quickly. 

Pelia moss will affect the other species in the tank, thus ensuring you are not letting the plant grow anywhere. It requires trimming to keep the plant growth in control.

Use the gardening scissor to cut the access amount of the plant and give it a proper shape. As the Pelia moss plant flourishes, it stays in the stable region.

Conclusion

Pelia moss aquarium plant is ideal for beginners. Study nature, fast growth, and beautiful appearance all match the need of the aquarist vision to decorate their fish tank.

Control growth of the plant makes it easy to flourish in any direction and get into the desired shape. Follow these methods to grow the Pelia moss in your tank and elevate the aesthetic.

By Uswatta Liyanage

Hello. I'm Uswatta Liyanage from Galle, Sri Lanka. I am the founder of this website. Since my childhood I'm an aqua plant lover and I have professionally learned more about aqua plants. So I created this site for share my knowledge and experience with all of you. Now you can refer my site and feel free to contact me if any inquiry.