Anchor Moss care guide
Anchor Moss (Vesicularia sp. 'Anchor') — low light, 18-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Anchor Moss (Vesicularia sp. 'Anchor') is an aquatic plant of the family Hypnaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. A unique moss with downward-growing fronds that create a cascading, weeping effect. Attaches firmly to hardscape and is excellent for covering vertical surfaces and overhangs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hypnaceae
- Genus: Vesicularia
- Scientific name: Vesicularia sp. 'Anchor'
- Common synonyms: Vesicularia sp. 'Anchor'
Habitat
Wild Vesicularia mosses grow on damp rocks, tree bark and stream banks in tropical and subtropical Asia, typically in shaded, humid environments. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Southeast Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 10 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: epiphyte on wood or rock
Placement
Mosses are tied or glued with cyanoacrylate to driftwood, lava rock or mesh. They develop fully submersed and do not require a nutrient substrate. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground as an epiphyte on hardscape under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Propagation is purely vegetative — fragments shed from a healthy clump root themselves on any rough surface. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: division of the parent plant.
Common issues
Trapped detritus and BBA (black-brush algae) are the most frequent problems; periodic flow across the moss and gentle siphon cleaning prevent both.