Flame moss

Quick facts

Max height

15 cm

Growth rate

slow

Difficulty

beginner

Placement

midground

Propagation

fragmentation

Water parameters

Temperature

18–28°C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Hardness

0 to 18 dGH

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

epiphyte

Feeding

feeds from the water column (use liquid fertilizer)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

safe with plant-eating fish (tough leaves or unpalatable)

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

fine - root system or attachment style handles it

Root-disturbing fish

tolerates fish that disturb roots

Habitat

Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, commonly found in humid forests and stream environments. The species (Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame') is an aquatic moss with a distinctive upward-growing habit: the fronds grow vertically and slightly twisted, resembling small green flames. This vertical growth pattern is the feature that distinguishes flame moss from Java moss (which grows in all directions) and Christmas moss (which forms layered, triangular fronds). The individual fronds are 2–5 cm tall and grow in dense clusters. Flame moss has been a popular aquascaping moss since its introduction to the hobby from Southeast Asian moss collectors in the 2000s.

Care notes

Attach to driftwood, rocks, or mesh using super glue, thread, or fishing line. The moss grips surfaces with rhizoids over a few weeks. The upward-growing 'flame' pattern is most visible when the moss is attached to a vertical surface (the side of a piece of driftwood, a vertical rock face) where the fronds can grow upward freely. On horizontal surfaces, the effect is less dramatic because the fronds still grow up but don't have the visual contrast of a vertical backdrop. Low to moderate light produces the tightest, most defined flame shape. Under high light, growth may become elongated and less compact. CO2 is not required but improves density. Growth rate is moderate, between Java moss (faster) and Fissidens (slower). Trim with scissors when the fronds grow too tall, cutting across the top to maintain a uniform height. The clippings can be reattached elsewhere to start new colonies. Temperature: 20–28°C. Not particularly demanding about water chemistry. In aquascaping, flame moss is used to create vertical textural accents on hardscape, adding visual movement (the 'flame' effect) that complements the horizontal or cascading growth of other mosses. Compatible with all fish and shrimp. The vertical fronds provide good biofilm grazing for shrimp and hiding spots for fry. Available from aquatic plant specialty shops; less commonly stocked at general pet stores than Java moss. More expensive than Java moss reflecting the slower growth rate.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean