Fissidens Fontanus

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Fissidens Moss; Phoenix Moss

Synonyms

Fissidens geminiflorus var. fontanus

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

North America, Asia, South America

Habitat

Clear, cool rivers and streams with weak to moderate current, growing attached to submerged rocks, wood, and shaded banks

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Moss

Max height

2 in (5.1 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Foreground, Midground, Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

65 – 77 °F (18 – 25 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.5

GH

2 – 15 dGH

dKH

0 – 14 dKH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Low

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Water column

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Splitting, Cuttings

Something wrong or missing? Submit a correction

Care guide

Overview

Suited to aquascapers wanting a fine-textured epiphyte rather than a fast carpeting moss, this species is tied or glued to driftwood and rock where its feathery, dark green fronds form a low, fountain-shaped mat over weeks to months. Growth stays slow and compact, tightening up further in cooler, well-oxygenated water. Rarely melts, making it forgiving for less experienced keepers.

Care

Phoenix moss is an undemanding epiphyte that does best tied or wedged onto driftwood or rock rather than buried, since its rhizoids need a hard surface to grip. It tolerates a wide temperature range but produces its tightest, most feathery growth in cooler, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate flow. Low light is sufficient for survival, though moderate light and CO2 supplementation noticeably speed up growth and thicken the fronds without turning them leggy.

Planting & trimming

Attach small clumps to driftwood, rock, or mesh using thread, fine fishing line, or superglue gel until rhizoids take hold, which usually takes several weeks. Avoid burying the moss in substrate, as this promotes rot rather than attachment. Trim lightly with fine scissors to maintain the rounded, fountain-like shape and to remove any debris trapped within the mat.

Fertilizing

Most nutrition is drawn directly from the water column rather than substrate, so consistent liquid fertilization matters more than root tabs. A porous or nutrient-rich substrate beneath the hardscape can still help by slowly releasing nutrients nearby, but it is not required. Pale or thinning fronds usually point to insufficient nitrate, phosphate, or trace iron rather than a lighting problem.

Propagation

Propagation is done by dividing established mats or clipping off small daughter portions and re-attaching them to new hardscape. Growth regenerates from the cut edges regardless of orientation, so fragments can simply be pressed or tied onto a new surface. Because growth is slow, new colonies take weeks to months to fill in and form the characteristic dome shape.

Problems

Debris and detritus can settle deep within the dense fronds if flow is too weak or the tank is poorly filtered, encouraging algae growth on the moss itself. Keeping water clean and maintaining steady but not excessive current helps prevent this buildup. Unlike some faster mosses, Fissidens rarely melts after planting, but poor water quality can cause fronds to blacken and shed over time.

Sources

1. Phoenix Moss (Fissidens fontanus) Care Guide & Plant Profile | Guidarium
2. Phoenix Moss (Fissidens Fontanus): Ultimate Care Guide - Fish Laboratory
3. Fissidens fontanus - Phoenix moss - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
4. Fissidens Fontanus (Phoenix Moss)

More Mosses

Christmas MossFlame MossJava MossMini Christmas MossPeacock MossPearl Moss