Coral moss refers to two different plants. While the type, also known as coral berries, is kept in pots, the second variety is used as aquarium plants. Caring for it in the pot is quite easy. How to care for coral moss as a houseplant.
How do you care for coral moss as a houseplant?
Caring for coral moss as a houseplant includes regular watering without waterlogging, sparing fertilization, repotting in spring, occasional cutting and cool overwintering. In summer, coral moss can be placed outdoors in a bright place.
Can you care for coral moss outside in summer?
As long as the temperatures are not too low, the coral moss really appreciates a place on the balcony. Place it in a bright, not too sunny place.
How do you water coral moss correctly?
- Water regularly
- Avoid waterlogging
- do not use water that is too cold
The substrate must never dry out completely. However, waterlogging is harmful and must be avoided at all costs. Before watering, do the thumb test to see whether the top layer of the substrate is already dry.
Pour off any excess water immediately.
Is fertilization necessary?
You should be sparing when fertilizing coral moss. After repotting, the plant is not fertilized at all. Later it will be enough if you give a little liquid fertilizer every four to eight weeks. Fertilization is only carried out from April to September.
When is it time to repot?
Repotting takes place in spring when the old pot has become too small. Prepare a new, not too large flower pot by filling it with acidic soil, such as azalea or rhododendron soil.
Are you allowed to cut coral moss?
You should only cut coral moss if the shoots become too long and thin.
Coral moss can be easily propagated by cutting runners or dividing the rhizome.
Are there any diseases or pests you need to watch out for?
Diseases occur if you water the plant too much. Waterlogging causes rot. Pests rarely occur.
How is coral moss properly overwintered?
Coral moss is not hardy and cannot tolerate frost temperatures. It must therefore be brought into the house in good time in autumn and wintered frost-free.
The coral moss only develops its flowers in spring and the bright red berries in summer if the plant is moved to a bright but cool location in winter.
The wintering temperatures should be ten degrees.
Tip
Since coral moss does not form roots in the aquarium, you have to tie it up. Otherwise the plants will float all over the tank.