Ambient Lighting for Marimo Balls
Marimo moss balls (Aegagropila linnaei) are peaceful looking seaweed balls, a species of green algae. Somewhat rare in natural occurence,marimo moss balls are only found in the northern hemisphere, hailing from Iceland, Scotland, Estonia and Japan.
These zenlike creatures are so unique and striking in their earthlike shape that they are protected in Iceland and Japan. I don’t know many types of algae which bear such a distinction! The alga is even marketed as a stuffed toy in Japan. Though only popular in circular form, marimo exist in fresh water lakes as freefloating filament as well as growth on the surface of rocks.
Lighting Conditions:
Owning artificial marimo is a relatively easy task and ideal for someone looking to get into flora: marimo require a basic aquatank and lowlight to mediumlight conditions. Ambient, nondirect light, such as that of any household satisfy them well. Marimo balls do not fare well under direct sunlight as they can burnthey do just fine photosynthesizing indirect light. The growth of marimo is rather slow, so be patient. It often works best to squeeze the water out of them from timetotime. Doing so will lower their density and allow them to rotate, giving all areas of the ball equal light.
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