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19Jan

Marimo as “Love Plants”

At first glance, a Marimo Ball may look like one of the fuzzy tribbles of Star Trek fame, but they are actually a rare form of algae that grow in the form of perfectly round, velvety soft balls. They are native to Japan’s Lake Adkan and in 1921 were declared a national treasure. Despite their appearance the balls are actually a collection of very densely packed individual filaments. Their movement in water and habits such as rolling around and responding...

By Getting Creative With Marimo0 Comments
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19Jan

Growing Marimo as an Art Form

We love. It is the core of the human existence to give and receive this powerful emotion.  We love our family, we love our friends (most of them!), but can we love a plant?  Well, most sources reveal that you can and in fact, it is often encouraged.  This is the art of growing Marimo Moss Balls. Watch the Colors: The coloring is very important to this plant.  It is a tell-tale sign that something may be wrong. If you notice more than usual...

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19Jan

The Smallest and Largest Marimo Sizes

A Marimo ball is a type of algae that is a native to Lake Akan in Japan. Although these balls have been observed to grow to some degree in freshwater lakes and ponds in European countries and some other lakes in Japan; only in this particular lake do they grow to be a noticeable size in perfect spherical shape. Colonies of such balls are only known to form in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia. A very easy plant, these are...

By The History and Science of Marimo1 Comment
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19Jan

Differentiating Between Naturally-Occurring and Farm-Raised Marimo Balls

The Marimo, Aegagropila linnaei, meaning “ball of seaweed” in Japanese, is a velvety, spherical-shaped algae found in the lakes of Iceland, Estonia, and Japan. A wonder of nature, the Marimo generally cluster together in colonies and can be as large as basketballs. Marimo is a rare growth form of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) where the form takes on a spherical shape. This aesthetically pleasing and unusual algae growth is defined as a Natural Treasure in Japan. Japan declared the marimo and its habitat...

By Advanced Marimo Husbandry Techniques2 Comments
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19Jan

Differentiating Between Natural and Various Man-Made Marimo Forms

Once you see the cute, alien-like appearance of marimo balls for yourself, you’ll understand why there’s such a high demand for these fuzzy green spheres. Unfortunately, it’s this high demand that results in the sale of many impostor marimo balls in the marketplace. Here’s our guide on how to tell a real marimo from a fake. Real Marimo Balls: Although they’re often referred to as “Japanese Moss Balls,” marimo balls are actually a species of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) that grows in...

By Advanced Marimo Husbandry Techniques1 Comment
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19Jan

Accelerating Marimo Growth with CO2

First of all, Marimo Moss Balls are not really moss. They are a peculiar form of algae. Of course, we normally think of algae as something bad, to clean out of our tank, but just as there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, there is good algae and bad algae and Marimo Moss Balls are good algae. Besides being decorative, they compete with the bad algae and crowd them out, thus helping to keep your tank clean, as well as...

By Advanced Marimo Husbandry Techniques0 Comments
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19Jan

Two Additional Methods for Accelerating Marimo Growth Rates With CO2

Marimo Moss Balls are part of the Cladorphoracaea family of filamentous green algae that form in numerous northern hemisphere lakes found in Japan, Iceland, Scotland, and Estonia. Marimo are algae themselves that grow in a radial pattern and eventually become spheres, or “moss balls.” They do well in low-lit environments, moving toward strands of light on their own. They are also popular in ponds and aquariums because Marimo consume the nutrients undesired algae need. Marimo grow very slowly, typically growing five millimeters...

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19Jan

How to Identify Natural Marimo Moss Balls

One of the most popular plants in Japan is now becoming sought-after in other parts of the world. The Marimo Moss Ball isn't actually moss at all. Cladophora Aegagropila is a species of filamentous green algae that has three growth forms, including the popular sphere or “ball” shape, the free-floating filaments that form a carpet seen on the bottom of lakes, and the epilithic, which grow on rocks. In Japan, the marimo moss ball was declared a national treasure in...

By Basic Marimo Care Tips0 Comments
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19Jan

Marimo Home Decorative Ideas

The domestic Marimo Ball is a very low-maintenance addition to any water-inclusive environment and can actually lower the algae control needs of the area in which it is placed. Marimo are rumored to attract both the heart’s desire (in love) and good luck; with that kind of positive reputation, who wouldn’t want to work some Marimo magic into their space? Marimo are versatile in their care needs and decorative potential, and thus can make a lovely addition to any space in...

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19Jan

Technical PH, Temperature, and CO2 Levels for Optimal Marimo Growth

Marimo Moss Balls, also known as Rising Japanese Moss Balls, can make quirky additions to your aquarium or mini terrarium, and since their velvety green texture provide a lush hiding spot for fish and shrimp, they will be teaming with life in no time at all. This peculiar looking water plant originated in Lake Akan in Japan and is referred to as “moss,” but it’s technically algae, and the fact that its spherical shape isn’t rooted only adds to its...

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