Spring moss
Spring moss. Low-growing oxygen plant for the soil.
Originally, Spring Moss, the name says it all, occurs in the running, clear and cold water of springs flowing through streams and rivulets. The Latin name of Bronmos is Fontinalis antipyretica. This aquatic plant is native to northern and central Europe, where flowing, clear water is common in mountain streams. In the Netherlands, the plant also occurs, but in stagnant waters. It is therefore a fairly common species that is often found near stony banks where the water is rich in nutrients but free of water pollution. In fens, for example, you will not often find this aquatic plant because the water there is often very nutrient-poor.
Tip: It is not necessarily necessary to plant Bronmos, but it is useful to secure it in a basket with some stones. This does prevent it from floating freely through the pond.
Spring moss Properties
- Latin name: Fontinalis antipyretica
- Position: semi-shade
- Planting depth: 20 - 80 cm
- Substrate: Not required
- This aquatic plant appreciates hard, nutrient-rich water.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of spring moss in your pond?
In the pond, Bronmos is excellent for use. It grows relatively quickly and extracts the required nutrients directly from the water, making it a competitor for algae in terms of nutrients. Algae will grow less well due to the lack of nutrients and the water in your pond will remain clearer. Bronmos' green leaves also add oxygen to your pond's water.
When Bronmos is placed in still or very weakly flowing pond water, it is more of a floating plant. It is capable of attaching itself to stones, for instance, but you can also help this process by attaching it to a stone with string or placing it in a basket with some stones. In this way you have a low-growing ground cover for your pond which creates a beautiful, dark-green underwater landscape.
Besides effectively removing nutrients from the water, the dense vegetation of Bronmos provides shelter for fish and amphibians. These animals like to lay their eggs among the dense stems and leaves.
What is the flowering time of spring moss?
Spring moss (Fontinalis), a common aquatic plant, does not have a flowering season like typical flowering plants. It belongs to the moss species, which reproduce via spores rather than flowers and seeds. As a result, spring moss does not produce visible flowers. However, it grows year-round underwater and can expand rapidly depending on conditions. Although it has no flowers, spring moss is appreciated for its vibrant green colour and graceful, gently swaying form in aquatic environments.
Is spring moss a native aquatic plant?
Yes, spring moss is native to Europe, including the Netherlands, and occurs naturally in clear, flowing waters such as streams, rivers and ponds. It is well adapted to cold, oxygen-rich waters and plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing shelter for small aquatic animals and improving water quality. Being native, it does not pose a threat to the balance of natural water bodies and is often used in garden ponds and nature reserves to enhance biodiversity.
How fast does spring moss grow?
The growth rate of spring moss can vary depending on water conditions. In clear, clean, well-oxygenated water, it can grow relatively quickly and spread over rocks, stones or other surfaces. However, spring moss grows more slowly than some other aquatic plants because it requires little nutrition and attaches itself mainly to solid surfaces. Growth may accelerate in spring and summer when water temperatures rise, but spring moss continues to grow at a moderate rate even in colder months.
How do I maintain spring moss?
Spring moss requires little maintenance, making it a popular plant for ponds and aquaria. The most important aspect of maintenance is to ensure that the water is clean and well oxygenated. This can be achieved by regular water changes in aquaria or by maintaining a good flow in ponds. Since spring moss grows slowly, you don't need to prune it often. Make sure the plant does not collect too much excess organic waste, such as algae or leaves, as this can stunt its growth. In ponds or aquaria, you can gently flush out the spring moss from time to time to remove excess waste and keep the plant healthy.
How should I prune spring moss?
Pruning spring moss is easy and can be done when the plant gets too big or when parts of it die. The best time to prune is when you notice the moss growing too dense or when dead parts become visible. You can easily pull the spring moss apart by hand or cut off small tufts with scissors. Make sure you leave the healthy parts of the moss intact so that it can continue to spread. Remove the trimmings from the water to prevent them from rotting and affecting water quality.
Is spring moss hardy?
Yes, spring moss is a hardy aquatic plant. It can survive without problems in colder temperatures, even in winter when the water surface of ponds can freeze. Because spring moss grows below the water surface, it usually remains active even when the temperature drops. This makes it an ideal plant for temperate climates such as the Netherlands, where it can survive year-round in natural waters and garden ponds without additional protection from the cold.
What is the planting depth of spring moss?
Spring moss can grow at different depths, but it thrives best in shallow to moderately deep water, up to about 60 cm deep. It can attach to rocks, wood or other hard surfaces at the bottom of streams, rivers and ponds. It is important that the water is clear and well oxygenated, as spring moss occurs naturally in flowing waters. In garden ponds or aquaria, it can be planted near the water intake or on rocky substrates to provide it with a suitable growing site.
Buy spring moss?
We have good experiences with oxygen plants from the Pond Master. Spring moss is for sale via De Vijvermeester's webshop. Here you can find beautiful forests of high quality.
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