Fissidens Fontanus (Fissidens fontanus) Care Guide
A striking aquatic moss with tiny feathery fronds arranged in a flat fan-like pattern resembling miniature palm trees.
Overview
Fissidens fontanus is an aquatic plant in the family Fissidentaceae. A striking aquatic moss with tiny feathery fronds arranged in a flat fan-like pattern resembling miniature palm trees. Grows very slowly but forms incredibly dense and detailed textures on rocks and driftwood, prized in aquascaping contests.
Taxonomy
- Family: Fissidentaceae
- Genus: Fissidens
- Scientific name: Fissidens fontanus
- Other names: Phoenix Moss, Palm Moss
Habitat
A small aquatic moss native to the eastern half of North America, also found in scattered localities across Europe and Asia. Grows on submerged rocks, tree roots and wood in streams; the flat fan-shaped fronds resemble miniature palm leaves, hence the common name Phoenix Moss.
Growth requirements
- Light: low (≈30-50 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 18-26 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: not applicable (attached to wood or stone)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: epiphyte (attached to wood or stone)
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Trim every: 30 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by vegetative division or fragmentation.