Phoenix Moss, Fissidens fontanus

Phoenix moss also known as Fissidens fontanus, rightfully got its name because of its appearance, resembling a frozen fountain. This moss grows in all directions from the central point, like a gushing fountain. Even if the single frond is left on the rock or driftwood, after a couple of months it will form a spherical mound with a very unique structure of dark green color. This is what attracts the attention of aquarium lovers. There's no other way of decoration with this moss, however, except for these mounds. It doesn't matter how you plant it or how you trim it, it will always tend to form a spherical shape, just because this is the way it grows. In this regard, it's similar to pellia (Monosolenium tenerum), but fissidens is not as fragile as pellia and if necessary can be moved from one part of the aquarium to another.

Phoenix moss is a large aquarium moss. Its leaf can reach up to 2 mm in length. Such a big leaf is too tough for Seamese algae eaters, famous moss lovers, and thus they can be safely kept together in the same aquarium. Like any other aquarium moss, phoenix moss can grow under a low level of light (up to 0.5 watts/l) and with only little addition of nutrients and CO2. Growth rate of this moss is quite slow in comparison with other mosses cultivated in the aquarium. A little injection of liquid fertilizer and CO2 (up to 5 mg/l), however, can accelerate the growth rate and helps to grow the lush mounds of Fissidens fontanus.

Сreating an aquascape, Fissidens fontanus is better to be placed closer to the “focal points” and not in the corners of the aquarium, as it will definitely attract the viewer's attention even against the background of other mosses. The exception may be cases when the whole aquarium is planted with Fissidens fontanus that also looks great. Phoenix moss easily attaches to rocks and driftwood with its rhizoids.