Growing Marimo Balls: How to Care For and Grow Marimo Balls
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Observations on Marimo Balls
Rating on this plant: Excellent
My Marimo Ball is growing much faster than originally anticipated. Aquatic earthworms have taken up residence within the plant. If they are working as their terrestrial relatives, that is likely why the Marimo Ball is doing so very well.
At this rate of growth, the plant will quickly outgrow my five-gallon hex tank. Outgrow as in be too large for the scale of the tank. Well, it is nearly too large now.
I have not dosed the tank with liquid fertilizers. I did however use three Jobe’s Plant Sticks in the sand-sediment substrate for the other plants. Other than that, the tank is natural. I have been too lazy to make a batch of organic fertilizer.
From what I can gather, I have around 2wpg of light. There is a lot of surface cover as I keep cardinal tetras. The light is obstructed severely before actually reaching the Marimo Ball.
I attached a small piece of Marimo Ball to some wood. It has been slow to attach and grow. The wood floats on the top of the surface, very close to the light. This may be why the Marimo isn’t growing well there. I have no idea though.
I do clean the ball occasionally by swishing it gently in the tank water. The worms retract back into the ball while the fish and clams eat the good bits leftover.
Overall, this plant has been an excellent addition to my tank. It requires hardly any care and remains attractive. It does not cause algae as some people are claiming. It is not invasive and is safe around the other inhabitants, animals and plants alike.
I will attempt to create a carpet effect when time permits. In addition, topiaries and other fun stuff like that as well. There seems to be a near endless supply of ideas with Marimo Balls.
