Fissidens Fontanus on Stainless Steel
Plant Profile
Phoenix Moss is a moss-have addition for anyone wanting to add lush elegance and a soft, feather-like texture to their underwater landscape. This green aquatic moss features delicate fronds that look just like the downy feathers of baby birds, adding brightness and a beautiful three-dimensional depth to any tank. We have grown this highly adaptable plant directly onto a 3" x 3" stainless steel mesh pad, where it can grow virtually maintenance-free once settled.
Key Features & Benefits
- Delicate, feathery fronds add a soft, high-end organic texture that makes hardscape look naturally aged.
- Versatile growth habit easily grips substrate, rocks, and wood with strong root-like rhizoids.
- Incredibly resilient and low-maintenance once established, making it a stress-free choice for any skill level.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Place the metal mesh pad directly onto your substrate or nestle it firmly into your hardscape layout where it can receive clean water circulation.
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Team Buce Plant Tip: Keep your aquarium temperature on the cooler side, ideally around 77°F, as this species prefers slightly cooler water to stay looking its best.
- Give the moss an occasional light haircut with sharp aquascaping shears to keep its shape neat, compact, and perfectly balanced.
- Propagate your patch in seconds by cutting or pulling a small clump apart and anchoring it to a new surface in your tank.
- Add CO2 injection if you want to accelerate growth and unlock the most intense, eye-popping green coloration possible.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Fissidens fontanus |
| Common Name(s) | Fissidens Fontanus, Phoenix Moss |
| Family | Fissidentaceae |
| Plant Type | Moss on Mesh Pad |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Light Requirement | Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Optional (Accelerates growth & density) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Carpet, Hardscape Accent, Nano Tank Focal Point |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 inches (7.6 x 7.6 cm) pad | Plant height: 1.2 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 65°F–78°F (18°C–25.5°C) |
| Propagation Method | Division (Cut, separate, or pull clumps apart) |
| Origin | United States |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I keep my Fissidens Fontanus from turning brown or yellow?
Fissidens Fontanus prefers clean, oxygen-rich water and cooler temperatures (under 78°F). Browning usually occurs when organic detritus settles deep inside the fine, feathery fronds or when water temperatures run too high. Gently siphoning debris out during regular water changes will keep the underlying fronds green and healthy.
2. How do I place and use the stainless steel mesh pad in my aquascape?
The 3" x 3" stainless steel mesh pad is naturally weighted to sink right out of the box. You can lay it completely flat on your substrate for an instant plush carpet, bend the flexible metal around curved rocks or wood, or attach it vertically to glass to start a full moss wall backdrop.
3. How do I stop moss trimmings from spreading everywhere during maintenance?
Always turn off your filter pumps and powerheads before trimming moss. Use sharp curved shears to make clean cuts, and immediately scoop or siphon out floating cuttings so they don't take root in unwanted areas of your aquarium.