Growing java moss on windowsill??

tiki19

tiki19

AC Members
Sep 22, 2006
107
0
0
Elkton, Maryland
Ok - I had a ton of java moss in my planted tank. It was way overgrown and instead of trimming it, I (regrettably) yanked most of it and gave it to my LFS.

Now I want it back - at least more than what I have. I remember reading a post on here about java growing like crazy on a windowsill. I searched and didn't find it.

I've tried it a few times, and all I get is an opaque film on top of the water, and some stilted java, fuzzy with... something. Some sort of unidentifiable algae I guess, but it kind of looks like it's rotting.

I've tried de-chlorinated tap water and aquarium water with the same results. Is there something you need to add/do to the water to grow java this way?

I know it's a cheap plant. My LFS would probably give me a clump free, for that matter, as I always give them my plant trimmings. It's just driving me crazy that I can't get it to grow this way - I don't understand it.

So, has anyone had any luck growing java moss in sunlight?
 
I have java growing on my kitchen windowsill in plastic cups, as well as marimo and pellia. I keep the cups topped off with fish tank water (it has all of the ferts built in) from when I do water changes.
 
Put some gravel or a sponge in a cup and keep the water filled just enough to keep the plant moist. Cover it with cling wrap to keep humidity and prevent fast evaporation. Doing it emersed like that should prevent any other algae that want to take over. Any clear plastic container will work.
 
It doesn't need all that much light, maybe your window is too sunny. I've grown it in a white bucket near an east window with half closed blinds, no algae problems.
 
They're so easy to grow. Lately I've been topping off with just tap water untreated, and they're still going strong.
 
Thanks all - Mikeb210, I'll do exactly that, thanks for the info, very much appreciated :)
 
I know this is an older thread but I just wanted to know why someone mentioned to add gravel or a sponge into the cup with the java moss...

will any type of moss work like this?

Will it grow faster this way than say in a low light no CO2 tank?
 
I have been growing java moss in a jar for awhile now. I refill it with poland springs water and it grows like a weed!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom