Do Moss Balls Grow? If So, How Fast?
Do Moss Balls Grow? Moss balls, known as “marimo moss balls” is a type of plant that thrives underwater. They make a great addition to household aquariums or fish tanks and can be used to help clean and filter the water.
However, one question that new moss ball owners ask is whether or not moss balls grow? and if they do! how fast?
The quick and short answer to this question is yes, moss balls do grow. But, how big and fast they grow depends on the type of environment they are in! which we will talk more about below.
How Fast Do Moss Balls Grow?
Typically the average moss ball will only grow about 5 mm per year. So if you have a small moss ball, it will take a few years for it to grow to be the size of a tennis ball.
While moss balls may not grow very fast, they do continue to grow as long as they are alive. In general, the rate of growth will slow down as the moss ball gets older.
The amount of light and the temperature a moss ball is exposed to can also affect its growth rate. For example, in cold temperatures, moss balls will tend to grow faster than in warmer temperatures.
So if you’re looking for a plant that will slowly but surely grow over time, then a moss ball is a great option!
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How Big Do Moss Balls Grow?
Now that we know that moss balls do grow, the next question is how big can they get? The size of a moss ball is largely determined by the tank or aquarium it is placed in.
For example, if you have a large fish tank, your moss ball has the potential to grow quite large! On the other hand, if you have a small tank, your moss ball will likely stay smaller.
In terms of actual size, In their natural habitat, these moss balls can grow between 8 to 12 inches wide. But, in captivity, they can be much smaller, and again this depends on the size of the tank it’s kept in!
What If Your Moss Balls Dont Grow?
There are a few reasons why moss balls may not grow. One possibility is that the conditions aren’t ideal for growth. Make sure your moss ball has plenty of light and the water temperature is suitable for the type of moss ball you have.
Moss balls need to be in water that is between 72-78 F (22-25 C) to grow properly. If the water is too cold, the moss ball will start to die. If the water is too hot, the moss ball will also start to die. So you need to find that perfect balance.
Like most mosses, they also need a moderate amount of light to photosynthesize and grow properly. But, moss balls don’t do well in direct sunlight “even in the water” so be careful!
If you are using artificial light, make sure that the light is not too strong as this can also harm the moss ball. If you notice the ball is “turning brown” or is “growing black spots” this is a sign that the moss ball is absorbing too much light.
Another possibility is that the moss ball is too young or too old. It can take a few years for moss balls to reach their full potential size. So if your moss ball is relatively new, give it some time to grow!
Lastly, check for any algae growing on the moss ball as this can actually choke the plant and prevent it from growing properly.
Things That Can Effect The Moss Balls Growth:
Incorrect Water Temperature
Inadequate Light Source
Build-Up Of Algae On The Moss Ball
It’s also important to remember that all plants live and eventually die. While moss balls can live for a long time, it could be that your moss ball has stopped growing because it has died!
If this is the case, you should remove the moss ball from your aquarium or fish tank asap as it can start to decompose and release harmful toxins that can be harmful to your fish.
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Can You Speed Up A Moss Balls Growth?
There are a few things you can do to try and encourage your moss ball to grow faster. As we mentioned before, one thing you can do is make sure the water temperature is ideal for growth.
However, there are some other methods mentioned below you can use that can give your moss balls a boost in growth.
Try Fertilizing Your Moss Balls
- You can try fertilizing your moss balls with aquarium plant fertilizer. This will provide them with the nutrients they need to grow bigger and stronger!
Add Co2 To The Water
- Co2 is also used in aquariums to encourage plant growth. So adding Co2 into your tank can give your moss balls an extra boost which in return can help them grow faster!
Regularly Cleaning Your Tank
- Regularly cleaning your tank will help reduce the amount of algae growth, which in turn will allow your moss balls to grow at their optimal rate.
As you can see, there are a few things that can help with the growth rate of your moss ball. However, just remember to be patient as these little plants take time to grow!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Moss balls do indeed grow! but at a very slow rate. Just remember, the type of environment they are in can affect their growth rate, so make sure to provide them with plenty of light and the correct water temperature.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! If you want to learn more about moss check out some of our other articles. Thanks for reading!
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