About the species

Riccardia chamedryfolia is a liverwort whose dense, dark green shoots resemble nothing so much as coral. The shoots are only a few millimetres wide and knit into compact, cushion-shaped tufts three to five centimetres high. Growth is slow, but the texture is finer than that of any other moss in the hobby.

Facts

• Latin name: Riccardia chamedryfolia
• Plant type: Moss
• Origin: Asia
• Height: 3–5 cm
• Growth rate: Slow
• Position: Wood and stone

Light requirement

High light requirement. It wants a strong light unit and a clear view of the surface — shaded by taller plants it quickly loses its lower leaves. Strong lighting also demands that CO₂ and nutrients stay in balance, otherwise algae take over.

CO₂ & nutrition

Added CO₂ is recommended — Tropica reckons 6–14 mg/l as a medium requirement. The plant can be grown without, but then grows more slowly and loses some of its colour. Supplement with liquid fertiliser weekly and keep iron and potassium levels up.

Planting

Moss should never be planted in the substrate. Spread it in a thin layer over a piece of wood or a stone and secure it with thread, mesh or a few drops of plant glue. A thin layer knits together far more attractively than a thick clump, which easily rots from beneath.

Rinse the portion gently in aquarium water and divide it between several spots — it then covers a considerably larger area than if everything is tied down in one place.

Care & propagation

Trim the moss with scissors a few times a year and it holds its shape and grows denser instead of getting long and straggly. Pieces that come loose can be tied onto the next stone — that is all there is to propagating it. Siphon out debris that collects in the moss when you change water.

Position in the aquarium

It grows on hardscape rather than in the substrate, so it can be placed anywhere in the aquarium — on a piece of wood, a stone or a back wall. That makes it as useful in the foreground as high up in the layout.

Difficulty level

🟡 Moderate — wants stable lighting and regular fertilisation to look its best.

Delivery format

Delivered as a portion of roughly one decilitre from our own cultivation. Because it is grown in our own aquariums it is used to the same conditions it is going to, and it has never been in contact with pesticides.

Recommendation

The moss to choose when you want to give a stone or piece of wood a detailed, mature look without frequent trimming. Spread it in a thin layer and be patient — the slow growth means it takes months, but the result lasts.