Singapore Moss Care Guide
Singapore Moss (Vesicularia dubyana) is a bushy, fast-growing tropical moss that tolerates warmer water than most aquarium mosses.
Overview
Singapore moss, Vesicularia dubyana, is a bushy, fast-growing aquatic moss of the family Hypnaceae. The true V. dubyana is best known under the name Singapore moss; the moss long sold worldwide as Java moss is frequently the related species Taxiphyllum barbieri.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hypnaceae
- Genus: Vesicularia
- Scientific name: Vesicularia dubyana 'Singapore'
- Common name: Singapore moss
- Often confused with: Taxiphyllum barbieri (Java moss)
Habitat
Vesicularia dubyana is widely distributed in the Asian tropics, including India, Java and Malaysia, where it is found in moist to wet locations. It grows more or less horizontally, attaching to hard substrates such as wood or rock, and spore capsules can appear even when grown submersed.
Aquarium requirements
- Temperature: 22-30 °C (72-86 °F); survives 15-30 °C
- pH: 5.5-7.5 (tolerates 5.0-8.0)
- GH: 2-14 °dGH
- Lighting: low to moderate
- CO2: not required, but improves appearance
- Placement: epiphyte (on hardscape)
- Maximum height: about 10 cm
Singapore moss is notable for tolerating warmer water than most aquarium mosses, growing best around 21-29 °C. It has modest light needs but looks best with at least medium light and good CO2 and nutrient supply, and it tolerates a wide pH spectrum.
Care and growth
Growth rate is medium. It is best attached to rock or driftwood and can be used for moss walls. Periodic trimming keeps the bushy growth tidy and prevents shading of lower layers.
Propagation
Singapore moss propagates by division. A clump is separated and re-attached to hardscape, spreading horizontally as it establishes.