A green moss ball is an eye-catcher in the aquarium due to its shape. Several specimens can even be grouped in a particularly decorative way. But do they all have to come from retailers? Or can the spherical structures also be propagated at home?

Propagating moss balls is not easy

No moss and only exceptionally ball

The moss ball is actually not a moss plant, but algae. Only the external resemblance to moss has brought her this name. The round shape is also not a growth form given by nature. Much more countless algae have united to this form.

These algae do not always form a ball. This phenomenon is also not common in nature and can only be found in certain bodies of water.

Is reproduction as a sphere even possible?

Like all plants, algae naturally also reproduce. As a result, the moss ball also increases in size, but this happens very slowly at 2-5 mm per year. However, new orbs are not an automatic result of propagation. Rather, an attempt must be made to bring an accumulation of algae into this form and then allow it to continue to grow. There are reports that their own breeding has brought respectable results.

Patiently let nature do its thing

The filamentous green algae, which are part of the moss ball in the aquarium, multiply and occasionally detach from the moss ball. They become more and more numerous and form new structures. It remains to be seen and hoped whether there will also be mini balls among them. This should also be the method that breeders mainly use. So patience and luck are required.

Share moss ball

If you want to actively promote propagation, you can also divide an existing ball and try to form two new balls from it over time. However, this process is lengthy.

  • choose a larger moss ball
  • tie a tight thread around it, dividing the ball in half
  • tighten the thread every few weeks
  • new growth also splits the ball further
  • finally the ball is separated into two parts

Support shape and growth

The two moss ball halves are not evenly round and have to be patiently shaped further. To do this, they must be rolled or turned regularly on the ground. Rinse carefully with aquarium water from time to time to remove heavy soiling.

tips

Not only a round moss ball is decorative. You can also cut them up and tie individual parts to roots or stones, which will be appreciated in this way.

Category:

Vegetable garden