Mosses are among the most popular plants in freshwater aquariums!
These plants can soften harsh features of the tank, such as the filter while providing an overall natural feel to your display. As a matter of fact, moss is often the first plant to be used in a setup.
| Scientific Name | Taxiphyllum sp. |
| Origin | Farmed in Asia, but indigenous to Southeast Asia |
| Lighting Needs | Low to moderate |
| Temperature | 65° – 77° F (18.3° – 25° C) |
| CO2 | Not necessary but recommended |
| Water Conditions | pH: 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Average Size | 15 cm |
| Growth Rate | Normal |
| Placement | Mid and Foreground |
| Difficulty | Easy |
One of the biggest benefits of moss in the aquarium is its ease of care. They don’t require high lighting levels and don’t need any extra nutrients.
Table of Contents
- About Peacock Moss
- The appearance of Peacock Moss
- Growing Methods of Peacock Moss in Aquarium
- Tank Requirements to Plant Peacock Moss
- Maintaining Peacock Moss (Cleaning, Trimming, and Filtering)
- Tips to Care & Cultivate Peacock Moss
- Advantages of Planting Peacock Moss in Aquarium
- Disadvantages of Planting Peacock Moss in Aquarium
- Common Problems (Difficulties) of Planting Peacock Moss in Aquarium Tanks
- Similar Plants to Peacock Moss
- Does Peacock Moss Have Roots & Stems?
- Suitable Tank Mates for Peacock Moss
- Unsuitable Tank Mates for Peacock Moss
- Is Peacock Moss Invasive?
- Where Can I Find Peacock Moss?
- Is Peacock Moss Good for Terrarium?
- Is Peacock Moss Expensive?
- How Long Does Peacock Moss Live?
- Is Peacock Moss Good for The Lawn?
- Peacock Moss Vs. Java Moss
- Conclusion
The other major benefit is that they can add depth to your aquarium, especially when attached to driftwood or rock. This makes them excellent for providing a foraging area for shrimp and fish alike. As a result, moss in an aquarium can enhance your fish’s experience.
The best way to choose moss for your aquarium is to learn about it. This way, you’ll be able to make informed decisions when decorating your fish tank.
Peacock moss is an ideal plant for tanks with tropical fish because it provides a safe and secure habitat for invertebrates. It also helps achieve certain aesthetics of a tank, and it is easy to maintain.
If you are planning to add this plant to your aquarium, follow our Peacock Moss Ultimate Guide. In this article, we will show you how to plant, maintain and care for peacock moss.
About Peacock Moss
| Scientific Name | Taxiphyllum Sp. |
| Common Name | Peacock Moss |
| Family | Hypnaceae |
| Origin | Asia |
| Temperature | 65°F to 77°F |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Height | 15 Cm (Maximum) |
| PH Level | 5.0 to 7.5 |
| Habitat | Fresh Water |
| Care Level | Easy |
Whether you’re trying to create a tranquil water garden or a bold one, you’ll need to know a little bit about this aquatic plant. Peacock moss is a creeping, flat plant with triangular, blue-green fronds.
It grows best in cooler water and loses its meaning at higher temperatures. This is why many aquascapers turn to Peacock moss.
There are two types of peacock moss, i.e., Taxiphyllum Sp and Selaginella Uncinata. Both the plants have the same common name but are different from one another.
While Taxiphyllum Sp is meant for aquarium setup, Selaginella Uncinata is good for terrarium setup. In this article, we are going to discuss Peacock Moss Taxiphyllum Sp.
Peacock moss is very popular among aquarists. It’s an easy-to-grow aquatic plant that will look great in any tank. It’s a versatile plant that can be used to cover large areas of your aquarium and is ideal for low-tech systems.
The large, branched texture and deep green color make it a unique accent to any aquarium.
This beautiful aquatic plant can grow to cover an entire aquarium, and you can tie it to rocks or driftwood. It’s fast-growing and easy to grow. It sticks to most substrates and looks great as a background. You can place it loosely or tie it to a rock or driftwood.
This moss grows compactly and has beautiful, triangle-shaped fronds. It is easy to grow and has a distinct coloration. Peacock moss is a rare and attractive type of aquatic plant.
It thrives in water temperatures between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and does not need extra CO2 to become fertile. Its fronds resemble the leaves of a tree. It can be fixed to wood, stone, or fishing line. The fern-like foliage makes it a unique choice for aquatic planting.
Peacock moss is an excellent choice for any aquarium. It is easy to maintain plants suitable for low-tech aquariums. Its distinctive texture and deep green color make it an eye-catching addition to any tank.
This aquatic plant is also a good addition to a marine tank due to its vibrant colors and unique texture. The name “peacock” comes from its appearance.
The appearance of Peacock Moss
The Taxiphyllum sp. Peacock Moss is a type of fern that grows in Asia. Its leaves resemble the feathers of a peacock and are usually green or emerald green in color. Often confused with Selaginella Uncinata, the Peacock moss is comparatively innocuous, but it looks quite different.
The Peacock moss looks like a little pine tree. It has a unique bush-like appearance and fine, emerald-green foliage. This plant has a soft and velvety texture. The leaves of this plant are delicate and easily flow in water. The fronds of this plant appear like pine trees.
Peacock moss is one of the most popular aquatic plants. The emerald-green foliage of this plant makes it a popular choice for fish tanks.
It is a great addition to any tank, and the textured foliage provides a stunning background. Its stems can be attached to driftwood for a unique look. This moss is also a popular choice for moss walls.
This moss is unique in its appearance. The deep green color and large branched texture of its leaves make it appear as if the plant is covered with feathers.
Its short, pointed leaves are reminiscent of the tail feathers of a Peacock. It grows fast and can fill a small aquarium easily. It is easy to maintain and does not require much light.
Growing Methods of Peacock Moss in Aquarium
There are many ways to grow peacock moss in an aquarium. You can plant it directly in the substrate, tie it to driftwood or rocks, or use suction cups to attach it to the sides of your tank. You can also tie a portion of it to the aquarium walls with a hose or mesh.
Peacock moss is a beautiful plant to have in an aquarium. It grows very quickly and looks great as a background. It can be attached to rocks or driftwood, as it grows so fast. You can also loosely plant it in the tank so that it can attach to it.
Once it is in place, you can place it in any position. It will grow into a full-fledged clump once it has gotten used to the water and light.
To grow Peacock moss in an aquarium, you can use several different methods. The most common method is to show the moss the growing surface and allow it to self-attach. Usually, the fronds will stick to the growing surface of the substrate.
You can also spread it on the substrate with a fishing line or black thread. These attachment methods may be obvious at first but will be covered by the moss quickly.
It can be planted almost anywhere in an aquarium and is a popular foreground cover for rockwork and other substrates. It can also be used as a backdrop for a more dramatic effect in an aquarium.
To propagate peacock moss, you can simply clip off the plant at the fronds to stem and then tie the pieces to any object in the tank.
You can also create a mesh or a mat with this moss. Simply tie the pieces of this plant to the mat or carpet. After that, you can use weight to put the carpet at the bottom.
It will help you to create a carpet of peacock moss. Apart from that, you can simply let it flow in the water as well.
Tank Requirements to Plant Peacock Moss
If you are a beginner and want to add peacock moss to your aquarium, then you should know how to care for it properly. The best way to do this is to make sure you have the right tank for it.
You need at least 5 US gallon tanks to grow this moss, or else it will crowd the fish. The peacock moss is very easy to grow, and it can survive in a low-tech aquarium as well as a high-tech one.
Peacock moss provides shade for shrimp and other aquarium inhabitants and provides cover for fish. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your aquarium.
The moss can be tied to rocks or driftwood, or you can just let it grow on its own. Its thin, fern-like growth habit makes it a perfect choice for tropical tanks.
There are a few requirements for a moss tank. First of all, it must have enough water to grow. A big or small glass tank is the perfect solution. You will need to have an unchlorinated water source for your pond.
The PH level of the tank water should be between 5.0 and 7.5. On top of that, the temperature of the water should be between 65°F and 77°F.
This plant will grow easily in any light but adding aquarium lights will do wonders to the growth rate. The high-intensity light will help the moss to grow easily in the tank.
You can also add a CO2 tank to speed up the growth of the moss in the aquarium tank. You also need to keep the tank clean and put substrate or driftwood for the plant to grow. You also need to keep a filter in the tank for the circulation of water.
Maintaining Peacock Moss (Cleaning, Trimming, and Filtering)
Peacock moss is different from staple plants like lilies and ferns, so proper maintenance is crucial for their survival.
Luckily, there are a few simple tips you can use to make them look their best. Here are the three steps you need to follow to easily maintain peacock moss in your aquarium.
Clean
The first thing you need to do is clean the tank and the moss to keep it in good condition. You can easily clean the moss by simply keeping it under running water. Make sure you remove all the dirt and debris from the peacock moss.
If the peacock moss is attached to driftwood or any other object, you need to clean that as well. You can also clean the peacock moss with a water siphon.
It will help you to remove all the rubbish it collects. This can be done by wagging a siphon near the fronds of the moss and then sucking all the debris from the fronds up.
Trim
If you have a fresh water tank, you will need to trim your peacock moss on a regular basis. First, determine the size of your pond. For larger tanks, the height should be greater than the width. If it is not, you can cut off the top part of the fern with scissors. To make trimming a snap, use plant scissors.
The moss will split easily, and the small fragments will grow back into pillows if you use the correct techniques. Alternatively, you can try plucking off small patches manually.
Be sure to turn off your filter so that any smaller fragments won’t get into the water. To cut the peacock moss properly, you need to remove the whole moss patch.
Cut and Replace
Peacock moss is used as an ornamental organism in aquariums but can be problematic to remove manually.
Because of its fine texture, moss is sensitive to algicides, so the best method is to cut off the infected layer and let the remaining portion regrow.
However, this technique only works if the filtration conditions are right for the moss. The most important part is to prevent the moss from spawning.
Make sure you keep a filter in the tank for water circulation. If the peacock moss is contaminated, cut off that part or replace it entirely. You can also cut small pieces to propagate the moss.
Tips to Care & Cultivate Peacock Moss
When growing peacock moss, it is important not to move it around too much.
It may take a couple of weeks to attach itself to the rock or driftwood, and if it isn’t kept in a specific location for a period of time, it may restrict the water flow and prevent the fish from freely moving.
You can also cut the spores off with a pair of scissors, but be careful that the spores don’t get too large. Once the strands are dry, you can remove the line and leave the moss alone.
Peacock mosses are easy to grow and are also great plants for your aquarium. However, you must keep them well-watered and make sure that they don’t become too dense.
They will die if their growth is too dense, and they can snag on the equipment. It is also important to monitor water quality and ensure that the moss is kept at an appropriate level.
To ensure the health of your peacock moss, make sure that you remove the algae regularly. It is easy to prevent algae from developing in your aquarium, but algae growth will take up to two weeks to disappear.
It will be difficult to remove algae if it has attached itself to a moss, so keep algae-free surfaces clean and clear. It will take a few weeks for the fronds to attach themselves to the substrate, but once they’re attached, the moss will easily move onto a new spot.
You need to use adequate lighting in the tank to help the moss grow. You can use aquarium lights in your tank setup. Another tip is to maintain the tank regularly. Make sure you clean the tank, change the water, use a filter and clean the moss regularly.
You need to trim as well as clean the peacock moss. Apart from that, you need to make sure the PH level, as well as the water temperature, is perfect. These are some simple tips to help you keep peacock moss in good condition.
Advantages of Planting Peacock Moss in Aquarium
The advantages of planting Peacock Moss are obvious. The plant is very dense and fills substrate gaps easily. The moss is very attractive and is ideal for your aquarium’s substrate.
It also comes out more quickly than other types of moss, so it makes for excellent greenery for your aquascape.
You can place it anywhere you like, such as on rocks or driftwood. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can plant it loosely in clumps.
If you don’t want to plant the spores on rocks, you can even let them float at the top of the water. Small fish, guppies, and zebras will all prefer this habitat, and it looks great in your tank.
Peacock moss prefers cool water; it will wilt if it is too warm. It requires a pH level of 5.0 to 7.5. It grows faster in high-intensity lighting, and it can thrive in planted aquariums with high levels of artificial lighting.
If you’re interested in growing peacock moss in your tank, consider using a plant light.
Peacock moss doesn’t require much care. The moss’s roots look like tiny rhizoids and make it easy to spread across the substrate.
It’s also an excellent plant to use in a planted tank and is low-tech as well. Just make sure that you know what you’re doing! Then, you’ll have a beautiful aquarium with peacock rosette moss.
The plant’s beauty is an added bonus for the fish. The moss’ color and soft texture are attractive to fish and are perfect for the fish’s bed sheet. The peacock moss is also suitable for breeding tanks.
The plant doesn’t need special care, and it is immune to different kinds of water chemistry. Aside from that, it doesn’t need any special care.
It is a good foliage plant for aquariums. It’s attractive and compact, and it’s an ideal plant for aquariums. You can plant it all over the aquarium; attaching it to rocks and driftwood is another benefit.
The moss also releases oxygen, which makes it a good alternative to noisy air stones. So, when it comes to peacock moss in aquariums, you’ll be glad you decided to give it a try.
Another advantage of Peacock Moss is its beauty. Aside from providing an excellent background for your aquarium, it also serves as a natural habitat for shrimp.
If you don’t have the time to maintain a full moss wall, you can use it for this purpose. In addition to being attractive, peacock moss is relatively innocuous.
Disadvantages of Planting Peacock Moss in Aquarium
There are many advantages to planting Peacock Moss in your aquarium, but you should also know that it can pose some disadvantages. It can be damaged by tap water.
As this type of moss grows quickly, you have to clean it regularly. If you don’t clean it, algae will settle on the moss and will disrupt the growth.
On top of that, you need to maintain the proper pH level as well as the temperature of the water. This type of moss doesn’t do well in water with high temperatures. If the temperature rises, this plant will die.
Another disadvantage of planting Peacock Moss in an aquarium is that it can be difficult to transplant from a live plant to an artificial one.
.It can be hard to remove, but it grows quickly in your tank. It can be rooted in driftwood or rocks and will spread to cover the substrate.
Common Problems (Difficulties) of Planting Peacock Moss in Aquarium Tanks
Planting peacock moss in aquarium tanks isn’t as difficult as it might seem. In fact, you might be surprised at how easy it is once you start!
Most bushes can be planted in your fish tank, and they can also provide food and habitat for baby fish. However, being a beginner, you might come across some challenges when planting this moss.
The biggest problem with peacock moss in an aquarium is algae, and this is not a pleasant sight. Algae, while not as bad as weeds or algae, can affect your moss’ growth and appearance.
This is most likely caused by an ecosystem imbalance, such as too much light or too many nutrients.
Another difficulty with peacock moss in aquarium tanks is that the water conditions must be ideal for it to grow. It needs to be at least a few hours of moderate current to grow, so it must be surrounded by other plants.
This helps keep algae to a minimum. The temperature and pH levels of your tank must be moderate, or it will not thrive.
This moss grows at a faster pace and can easily spread inside your tank, thereby decreasing the free space for fishes to swim. So make sure you use a large tank and don’t overpopulate this moss.
You also need to clean and trim the moss from time to time. If you are planting peacock moss for the first time, make sure you trim or clean it to prevent any problems.
Similar Plants to Peacock Moss
The peacock moss is a unique tropical plant with feathery emerald leaves. It has a mat-forming habit and can be grown indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions. A few similar plants to peacock moss are described below.
- Java Moss
- Christmas Moss
- Pellia Moss
- Weeping Moss
- Willow Moss
- Star Moss
- Taiwan Moss
- Selaginella Uncinata (Peacock Moss)
Does Peacock Moss Have Roots & Stems?
One of the questions most people have is whether or not Peacock Moss has stems and roots. Although it is moss, the taxonomy hasn’t yet been fully determined.
The taxonomy of Taxiphyllum sp. is based on the presence of stems and leaves. Despite these features, Peacock Moss is a relatively fast-growing plant.
Peacock moss is a small aquatic plant belonging to the Taxiphyllum genus. It has oblong leaf cells and is easily recognizable. Branches are flat and have a striking blue-green hue.
The plant is prone to root into the ground near its tips. It rhizoids which is a root-like appendage. The fronds of the plant don’t attach to the soil, but they don’t have roots.
Suitable Tank Mates for Peacock Moss
Peacock moss is a dense plant, and it can fill in substrate gaps quickly. Its spiky appearance also makes it an excellent substrate.
While this plant has high water requirements, it is not very demanding. It thrives in a wide range of conditions. Here are some suitable tank mates for peacock moss.
- Tetras
- Betta Fish
- Corydoras
- Cherry Barbs
- Rasboras
- Danios
Unsuitable Tank Mates for Peacock Moss
If you want to add a unique plant to your aquarium, consider using Peacock Moss. It is one of the most striking mosses, growing on every continent. However, this plant is not suitable for all types of fish. Here are some fish spices to avoid when using this plant in an aquarium.
- Cichlids
- Goldfish
- Siamese Algae Eaters
These fishes will eat peacock moss and tear it up inside the fish tank. So you need to avoid keeping these fishes with peacock moss.
Is Peacock Moss Invasive?
Peacock Moss is a non-invasive plant. This aquatic moss requires a very low light level and grows best in cooler temperatures. As a bonus, it does not require fertilizers and can be easily controlled. While it grows at a faster pace, it is not really invasive.
Although this species of moss is not invasive, it is considered a nuisance if it is not kept in check. This plant can spread across a variety of substrates, and its rhizoids are used for stabilization.
The peacock moss is relatively harmless and does not cause much harm to humans. It is a beautiful addition to an aquarium and is often used as a moss wall.
Where Can I Find Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss is a beautiful plant with green, fern-like foliage that is suitable for aquariums and low-tech displays. The species is native to Asia and is a great choice for tropical aquariums.
The leaves are a deep emerald color, and the fronds are shaped like miniature pine trees. Its unique appearance gives the aquarium an exotic look.
They are available in golf-ball-sized pieces at many online stores. There are many aquarium stores as well as online websites that sell this aquatic plant. A true peacock moss is difficult to come by.
It is often misidentified as Christmas moss or Java moss. So, make sure you select the right store to purchase this moss for your aquarium.
Is Peacock Moss Good for Terrarium?
Unlike other plants, Peacock Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.) grows best in cold water. Its foliage is triangular in shape and has a tendency to grow outward. Its pH level needs to be 5.0 to 7.5 for it to thrive. This moss is meant for aquariums and doesn’t do well in a Terrarium.
If you are looking for terrarium moss, go with Selaginella Uncinata Peacock Moss. This type of peacock moss is meant for a terrarium set up as it needs soil and doesn’t need to be submerged in water for growth.
Is Peacock Moss Expensive?
Peacock moss is an attractive plant with a unique color and texture. It is a popular choice for aquatic tank décor and provides protection for the fish, as well as hiding places for them.
It is sometimes confused with Selaginella Uncinata, which has a similar scientific name. While both plants have the same nickname, the former is much more desirable and more expensive than the latter.
This unique species of moss is named for its bright green foliage, and it prefers low-light conditions. The scientific name for Peacock moss is Taxiphyllum sp.
The moss grows in clumps of a few inches in diameter and is quite fragile, resembling a small pine tree. This aquatic plant is not really expensive. You can easily purchase a small golf ball size single piece of this moss for around $3 to $5, depending on the quality.
How Long Does Peacock Moss Live?
A golf-ball-sized piece of Peacock Moss can grow into a three-inch-wide expanse in an aquarium.
This plant can be planted on driftwood or stones and provides an attractive background for fish and shrimp. They are suitable for breeding tanks and do not require special attention.
Peacock Moss grew vertically and immersed. Regardless of its habitat, this plant grows fast and can fill a small aquarium.
Like most aquatic plants, it is tropical and perennial in nature and will continue growing. It means this plant will never die and keep expanding if you keep it in good condition.
Is Peacock Moss Good for The Lawn?
Peacock moss is a rare aquatic plant. It is hardy and tolerant of temperature variations. It thrives in cold water, and the water pH should be between 5.0 and 7.5.
It also needs some light in order to grow. Higher-intensity lighting is ideal for peacock moss because it encourages the plant to grow more compact and triangular fronds.
However, it is an aquatic plant and is not suitable for the lawn. Many people confuse it with Selaginella Uncinata, which is also known as peacock moss.
This type of plant is more suitable for lawns as it grows in soil and doesn’t need much water. If you want to grow aquatic peacock moss in your lawn, make sure you create a small pond and then plant this moss.
Peacock Moss Vs. Java Moss
One of the biggest differences between Java Moss and Peacock Moss is the growing requirement. Peacock moss is very low maintenance and requires little light.
Its ideal pH and hardness levels range from 5.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate CO2 and will grow well with a little help from the aquarium’s CO2 system.
Both types of mosses are suitable for aquaculture, but the peacock variety is much easier to grow and maintain than Java. Its thick, feathery appearance makes it ideal for breeding tanks, and it doesn’t require much care.
If you want to make a freshwater tank look beautiful, you can try Peacock – it’s a beautiful plant that won’t require any special attention.
In terms of color, Peacock Moss is more vibrant than Java Moss. Its triangular fronds are denser and can make a beautiful floor or moss wall in an aquarium. The moss is able to grow at temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly aquarium plant, Java Moss is a great choice. On top of that, peacock moss can easily fill up space inside the tank compared to Java moss.
Conclusion
Peacock Moss is an aquatic plant that spreads slowly across the substrate, using root-like appendages known as rhizoids for stabilization. This plant has a triangular appearance and is about the size of a golf ball.
Peacock Moss grows on rocks and driftwood. It has beautiful, triangle-shaped fronds and can fill a small aquarium. If you’re interested in growing Peacock Moss in your aquarium, follow our Peacock Moss Ultimate Guide.
It thrives in cold water and prefers a pH level of 5.0 to 7.5. We have discussed the care, maintenance as well as benefits of using this aquatic plant. If we have missed anything or if you have any questions about Peacock Moss, write to us in the comments. Good luck with your aquarium!
