Pearl Moss (Plagiomnium affine) Care Guide
A rare terrestrial moss adapted to submersed growth, with distinctive round translucent leaves arranged along creeping stems.
Overview
Plagiomnium affine is an aquatic plant in the family Mniaceae. A rare terrestrial moss adapted to submersed growth, with distinctive round translucent leaves arranged along creeping stems. Creates a unique pearl-like texture unlike any other aquarium moss, though it grows very slowly and prefers cooler water temperatures.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mniaceae
- Genus: Plagiomnium
- Scientific name: Plagiomnium affine
- Other names: Plagiomnium Affine
Habitat
A widespread temperate moss native to forests of Europe, Asia and North America, where it grows on damp soil, rotting wood and shaded rocks. It is a terrestrial species that tolerates submersion only under cool, well-oxygenated aquarium conditions.
Growth requirements
- Light: low (≈30-50 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 15-24 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: not required (rootless or free-floating)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: attached to wood or stone (epiphyte)
- Maximum height: 3 cm
- Trim every: 30 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by vegetative division or fragmentation.