Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei)

Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei) is a lush aquarium moss loved for its arching, teardrop-shaped fronds that droop downward as they mature, giving driftwood and rock a soft, weeping-willow look. It is a hardy, beginner-friendly moss that needs no CO2 and no substrate, anchoring itself to almost any hardscape over time. Explore more live aquarium plants at Squeaky's Aquatics.

Each portion cup holds a healthy starter portion of Weeping Moss, ready to rinse, divide, and attach to your hardscape.

Care Guide

• Lighting: Adaptable from low to moderate light. Brighter light produces denser, more compact, downward-arching growth, while low light gives a looser, taller habit. A 6 to 8 hour photoperiod is plenty.
• CO2 and fertilizer: Not required. Weeping Moss grows steadily in a basic tank, and a little liquid fertilizer or CO2 simply speeds things up and tightens the growth.
• Temperature: Prefers cooler water and is happiest from 68 to 78°F. Growth slows and the moss can brown above roughly 80°F, so it is a great pick for unheated and temperate tanks.
• Attaching: Weeping Moss does not root in substrate. Tie a thin layer onto driftwood, rock, or stainless mesh with cotton thread, or tack it down with a dab of cyanoacrylate gel glue. In a few weeks it grips on its own and the thread can be removed.
• Maintenance: Trim with scissors to keep the shape you want and to encourage branching. Every so often, give it a gentle current or a quick rinse to clear trapped detritus from the interior.

Specifications

Aquascaping and Tank Mates

Weeping Moss is a shrimp-tank and nano-tank favorite. Its dense fronds trap biofilm for grazing, give baby shrimp and fry a safe place to hide, and soften hardscape into mossy trees, walls, and carpets. It is completely safe with all peaceful community fish and invertebrates.

• Cleanup and grazing: Amano Shrimp and Neocaridina Shrimp love foraging through it.
• Pair with other mosses for a layered scape: Java Moss and Christmas Moss.

Recommended Pairings and Supplies

• Malaysian Driftwood or Cholla Wood to mount it on
• Seachem Flourish Glue for fast, secure attachment
• Amano Shrimp and Neocaridina Shrimp for a planted cleanup crew
• More live aquarium plants

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attach Weeping Moss?
Spread a thin layer over driftwood or rock and secure it with cotton thread or a dab of gel super glue. Within a few weeks it anchors itself and you can remove the thread.

Is it good for shrimp?
Excellent. The fine fronds trap biofilm that shrimp graze on and give baby shrimp a safe place to shelter, which makes it a staple in shrimp and breeding tanks.

Does it need CO2?
No. Weeping Moss grows fine without CO2, though added CO2 and fertilizer will speed growth and make it denser.

Why is my moss turning brown?
The usual causes are water that is too warm (above about 80°F) or detritus trapped inside the moss. Keep it cooler and give it an occasional rinse to keep it green and healthy.