Plant Profile
Mayaca Fluviatilis is a delicate stem plant known for its slender stems and extremely fine, bright green leaves. Its soft, feathery appearance brings plenty of texture and movement to an aquascape, especially when planted in groups to create a dense background.
This aquatic stem plant is surprisingly adaptable despite its delicate appearance. With proper lighting and nutrients, individual stems can grow into a lush, bushy cluster that adds depth without visually overwhelming the rest of the scaped tank.
Tissue culture aquarium plants are grown in a controlled laboratory environment and arrive free of algae, pests, and other unwanted organisms, making them a convenient option for establishing a clean planted aquarium.
Key Features & Benefits
- Extra fine, needle-like leaves create a soft, feathery texture
- Bright green color adds contrast against broader-leaved aquarium plants
- Works especially well when planted in groups for a fuller appearance
- Thin stems can be delicate, so handle the plant gently when dividing and planting
- Grows well as a background plant but can be trimmed shorter for midground use
Care & Planting Instructions
- Remove the plant from the cup and gently wash away all nutrient gel with clean water.
- Separate the tissue culture into several small portions rather than planting the entire clump together.
- Plant individual portions into nutrient-rich aquarium substrate, leaving enough space between them for light to reach the lower stems.
- Mayaca Fluviatilis plants prefer moderate to high lighting. Insufficient light can cause the lower leaves to yellow and fall away.
- Regular fertilization will help support healthy, consistent growth.
- CO2 is not required, but adding CO2 can encourage denser growth and help the plant develop into a fuller bush.
- Some leaf loss can occur as the plant adjusts to aquarium conditions. New submerged growth should develop as it acclimates.
- Once established, trim the taller stems and replant the healthy cuttings to create a denser group.
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 |
Mayaca fluviatilis |
| Common Name(s) |
Mayaca Fluviatilis, Stream Moss |
| Family |
Mayacaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy |
Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty |
Easy / Beginner |
| Light Requirement |
Moderate to High |
| CO2 Requirement |
Not Required (Recommended for faster, fuller growth) |
| Placement / Usage |
Background / Midground Bushing |
| Height / Size |
5–12”+ |
| Growth Rate |
Slow to Moderate |
| Water Parameters |
pH 6.0–7.5 |
| Propagation Method |
Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) |
| Origin |
North, Central, and South America |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. Why are the lower stems on my Mayaca Fluviatilis turning yellow?
Mayaca Fluviatilis requires moderate-to-high lighting to maintain its lower foliage. If lower stems become shaded or lighting is insufficient, the bottom leaves will turn yellow and drop off. Increasing light intensity and spacing stems apart during planting prevents this.
3. How do I transition Mayaca Fluviatilis from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under moderate-to-high lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its land leaves and sprout soft, needle-thin underwater foliage. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
