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Willow Moss (Fontinalis antipyretica)

Willow Moss is a coldwater moss with larger, darker, keeled leaves arranged along trailing stems, giving a coarser, more cascading look than Java or Christmas moss. Its defining requirement is cool, well-oxygenated water with some flow — it struggles in warm tropical tanks above the upper 70s — which makes it an excellent choice for unheated, river-style, and coldwater setups.

Care specifications

TypeMoss
DifficultyMedium
LightLow (10–35 µmol PAR)
CO2Not needed
Fertilizer demandLow
Growth rateSlow
Max height4 in
Spread10 in
PlacementForeground, Midground, Epiphyte
Attaches to hardscapeYes
Snail & shrimp safeYes
Temperature50–75 °F
pH6–7.8
ColorGreen
TrimmingRegular
StylesNature, Biotope

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Willow Moss

Willow Moss (Fontinalis Antipyretica) Portion

$6.99 Out of stock

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Propagation

Divide a clump and re-tie the fragments to hardscape; trimmed pieces continue growing wherever they anchor.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Willow Moss melting in my tropical tank?

It is almost certainly too warm. Fontinalis is a temperate, coldwater moss that prefers water in the 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit and tends to decline and brown in heated tropical tanks. If your tank runs warm, a Java or Christmas moss is a far better match.

How do I attach Willow Moss to wood or rock?

Tie a thin layer down with thread or fishing line, or use a little gel superglue, the same as other mosses. It anchors with rhizoids over a few weeks. Give it gentle current — it grows fuller and greener in flowing, oxygen-rich water than in still corners.

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