Vesicularia Dubyana (Java Moss)

Family: Hypnaceae Common Name: Java Moss Maximum Height: 2 inches Leaf Size: 1/16 inch Stem Thickness: 1/16 inch Light: Any Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit pH: Any Origin: Southeast Asia Water Hardness: Any Nutrients: Any Relative Growth  Speed: Slow   Java moss has been an aquarium favorite for many years, as the plant is attractive, easy to grow and very undemanding when it comes to light, pH, hardness or nutrients. The plant has been used for many years by hobbyists in the breeding of all kinds of fishes; baby livebearers will hide in Java moss, and much egg-laying fish will deposit their eggs in Java moss. Java moss does best if allowed to root itself onto the substrate, rocks or driftwood. One way to grow Java moss is on driftwood. All you have to do is to secure a few clumps to a piece of driftwood with black cotton thread. As the plant grows it attaches to the wood, and the cotton thread dissolves. As Java moss grows it can easily be trimmed, divided and reattached to other surfaces. In addition to the dubyana species, there are a number of varieties that are popular in the hobby. One variety is called Christmas Tree Moss and the growing tips form a triangular shape looking very much like a traditional Christmas tree.