Java moss, also known as Vesicularia dubyana, is a popular aquarium plant that is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It is widely used in aquascaping and planted aquariums, and can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Java moss is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of conditions, but one of the most interesting things about this aquatic plant is that it can also be grown emersed. But what is emersed growth and can java moss grow emersed?
Emersed growth is when a plant grows out of water, with only its roots submerged in a moist substrate. This is a unique adaptation that some aquatic plants possess, allowing them to survive in even the driest of conditions. Java moss is one of those plants, and is capable of growing both submersed and emersed. In fact, it is one of the easiest plants to grow in an emersed state, and can even be grown in a damp, shady environment with no water at all.
The most important thing to keep in mind when growing java moss emersed is that it needs a moist substrate in order to survive. Without this, the moss will quickly dry out and die. The best type of substrate for java moss is one that is rich in organic matter such as peat moss or coco coir. This will help the moss to retain moisture and also provide it with the nutrients it needs to thrive. To keep the substrate moist, you can mist it with a spray bottle or use a water feature to keep it moist.
Once the substrate is in place, you can start adding the java moss. Unlike when grown submersed, when growing java moss emersed you will need to use a lot of moss, as it will spread and cover the entire substrate. It is best to lay the moss in thin layers, making sure to cover all of the substrate completely. Once the moss is in place, you can mist it with a spray bottle to keep it moist.
When growing java moss emersed, you don’t need to worry about providing it with light, as it can survive in low light conditions. In fact, too much direct sunlight can be detrimental to the moss, so it is best to keep it shaded, or in an area with indirect light. You will also need to provide the moss with nutrients, as it will not be able to get these from the water like it would when grown submersed. To do this, you can add liquid fertilizer to the moss every few weeks.
Java moss is a great plant for both submersed and emersed growth, and is one of the easiest plants to grow in an emersed state. With the right substrate, misting, and fertilizing, you can easily grow a thriving carpet of java moss. So, if you’re looking for a hardy, low-maintenance plant to add to your aquascape, then java moss is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
Java moss is a versatile and hardy plant that can be grown both submersed and emersed. When grown emersed, it needs a moist substrate, misting, and fertilizing in order to thrive. With the right conditions and care, java moss can be a great addition to your aquascape, providing a lush and vibrant carpet of green.