A green moss ball is an eye-catcher in the aquarium due to its shape. Several copies can even be grouped together in a particularly decorative way. But do they all have to come from retailers? Or can the spherical structures also be propagated at home?
How to propagate a moss ball?
To propagate a moss ball, you can divide it and form the halves into new balls or wait patiently until green algae loosen and form new structures, possibly mini balls. Regular turning and cleaning promotes growth.
No moss and only balls as an exception
The moss ball is actually not a moss plant, but rather algae. It is only given this name because of its external resemblance to moss. The round shape is not a natural growth habit either. In fact, countless algae have united to form this form.
These algae do not always form a ball. Even in the wild, this phenomenon is not common and can only be found in certain bodies of water.
Is reproduction as a ball even possible?
Like all plants, algae naturally reproduce. As a result, the moss ball also increases in size, but this only happens very slowly at 2-5 mm per year. However, new balls are not an automatic result of reproduction. Rather, an attempt must be made to bring a collection of algae into this form and then allow it to continue to grow. There are reports that our own breeding has produced impressive results.
Patiently let nature do its thing
The thread-like green algae, which are part of the moss ball in the aquarium, multiply and occasionally detach themselves from the moss ball. They are becoming more and more numerous and forming new structures. Whether there are mini balls among them remains to be seen and hoped for. This should also be the method that breeders predominantly use. So patience and luck are required.
Share moss ball
If you want to actively promote reproduction, you can also cut up 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 that divides the ball in half
- tighten the thread every few weeks
- The 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 still need to be patiently shaped further. To do this, they must be regularly rolled or turned on the ground. Occasionally rinse them carefully with aquarium water to remove heavy soiling.
Tip
Not only a round moss ball is decorative. You can also cut them up and tie individual parts onto roots or stones, which will be enhanced in this way.