PORTION: Golf Ball Size

Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame') is a striking and visually appealing aquatic plant. It is known for its unique, upright, flame-like growth pattern. With its dense, green fronds that grow in an upward, almost "flame" shape, this moss adds a dynamic, textured element to any aquarium. Its graceful, tufted appearance makes it a standout choice for aquascapers looking to create a lush, vibrant environment. Flame Moss is an excellent addition to tanks of all sizes, whether as a decorative feature or to provide shelter and food for aquatic life such as shrimp, small fish, and fry.

Native to Southeast Asia, Flame Moss is relatively easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of light and water conditions, making it a versatile plant for both beginners and experienced aquarists. It can be attached to hardscapes like rocks, driftwood, or mesh, or left to float freely, and will grow in a natural, bushy formation. Its rapid growth and hardy nature make it a great choice for aquariums with moderate to high lighting.

Key Features:

- Unique Flame-Like Growth: Flame Moss has a distinctive, upright growth habit with fronds that extend upward in a flame-like formation, creating a visually interesting texture in aquascapes.
- Fast-Growing: Flame Moss is a relatively fast-growing plant, making it an excellent option for quickly adding greenery to your aquarium or covering hardscapes like rocks or driftwood.
- Versatile Placement: It can be used in various ways in your aquascape—attached to rocks, driftwood, or mesh, or even allowed to float freely. It also works well in both foreground and mid-ground positions.
- Low-Maintenance: Flame Moss is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it ideal for beginner hobbyists. Its growth is easy to control, and it requires minimal care.
- Ideal for Shrimp and Small Fish Tanks: The dense structure of Flame Moss provides shelter for shrimp, fry, and small fish, as well as surfaces for biofilm that these creatures will graze on.

Benefits:

- Shelter for Aquatic Life: Flame Moss provides an excellent hiding spot for fish, shrimp, and other small aquatic life, creating a natural and secure environment in your tank.
- Water Quality Improvement: As a nutrient-hungry plant, Flame Moss helps absorb excess nutrients from the water, improving overall water quality and helping to reduce the likelihood of algae growth.
- Algae Control: By absorbing excess nutrients and outcompeting algae for resources, Flame Moss can help maintain a cleaner and more balanced aquarium.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The upright, bushy texture of Flame Moss creates a dramatic visual effect in the tank, adding contrast and dimension to aquascapes.
- Versatile Aquascaping Tool: Whether you use it for coverage on hardscapes or as a focal point, Flame Moss can fit into a wide range of aquascaping styles, from minimalist designs to lush, densely-planted tanks.

Care Instructions:

- Lighting: Flame Moss does best in moderate to high lighting. It can tolerate lower light, but its growth may slow, and the plant may lose some of its vibrant green coloration. For optimal growth and visual impact, provide medium to high lighting (2-4 watts per gallon).
- Water Conditions: Flame Moss is highly adaptable to a range of water conditions. It prefers a pH of 6.0–7.5 and temperatures between 68°F and 82°F (20°C–28°C). It thrives in soft to moderately hard water but can tolerate a variety of hardness levels.
- Substrate: Flame Moss does not need to be planted in the substrate. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or mesh using thread or super glue gel. Once attached, the moss will grow and spread naturally. It can also be left floating if desired, although securing it can help prevent it from floating away.
- CO2 & Fertilization: While Flame Moss does not strictly require CO2 supplementation, it will grow more rapidly and healthily with added CO2, especially in high-light setups. Liquid fertilizers or root tabs can be used to ensure the moss receives adequate nutrients for healthy growth.
- Maintenance: Flame Moss requires minimal maintenance. To keep it looking its best, trim any overgrowth and remove any decaying or dead parts. If the moss becomes too dense, pruning can help promote new growth and maintain its bushy appearance. If algae buildup occurs, gently rinse the moss in aquarium water to keep it clean.

Applications:

- Freshwater aquariums
- Shrimp and fry tanks
- Aquascaping setups (foreground, mid-ground, or background)
- Fish tanks in need of visual texture
- Biofiltration and algae control

Note: While Flame Moss is a hardy plant, it may take a little time to acclimate when introduced to a new tank or if water parameters change drastically. However, once it has settled in, it will grow quickly and add a unique element to your aquascape.

Flame Moss is a beautiful and versatile addition to any aquarium, with its unique, flame-like growth, rapid growth rate, and ability to provide shelter for aquatic life. Whether you're creating a lush aquascape or simply looking to add some texture and green highlights to your tank, Flame Moss offers the perfect solution. With its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance, it’s a must-have for aquascaping enthusiasts of all levels.