Fairy moss, also called water fern is not moss but a free-floating aquatic fern.
It provides a habitat and food for fishkoi and goldfish like to nibble on the fairy weed fronds.
Fairy moss is a perennial in warm climates and is grown as an annual in cooler climates.
In the fall, the deciduous foliage turns reddish-purple.
It wont grow well in water bodies with strong currents as its tender fronds get damaged.
As a floating fern, its roots grow under water and the foliage is on the surface.
The plant should not be fully submerged.
The location can be in full sun or partial shade.
The water should not have high salt content and be slightly acidic, neutral, or alkaline.
Because fairy moss forms a thick carpet, interplanting it with other non-submerged aquatic plants is not ideal.
It is suitable as an underplanting beneath tallerwater-garden favorites.
In the right water and light conditions and in warm weather, fairy moss will spread quickly.
The only thing you gotta do after planting is to monitor the water quality and remove excess growth.
The light exposure also has an impact on the foliage color.
It is bright green in shade and has attractive purplish-rose tints in full sun.
Soil and Water
For this aquatic plant, monitoring the water quality is key.
Regularly testing the water is also necessary to determine whether it needs nutrient supplements.
but dont add it to your pond water without testing the water beforehand.
Pruning
This is a plant that can double in size within days.
If its not controlled, it becomes invasive, deprivessubmerged aquatic plantsof light, and clogs up filtration systems.
Pests and Problems
The plant is free of serious pests and diseases and tolerant of rabbits.
Do this in warm weather when the plant is actively growing.
Take a section of an existing plant and place it in a new area with suitable growing conditions.
It often forms multi-layered floating mats.
It is an annual or short-lived perennial.
Fairy Moss Companion Plants
Canna
Boldcannasare perfect for moist locations and full sun.
Zone 7-10
Papyrus
Papyrusis an easy-to-grow water plant.
It sends out grassy sprays of leaves that jut out from the stems like a fireworks display.
The moist soil at the edge of a body of water is a perfect location for papyrus.
Flower stalks emerge above 2 to 5-foot-tall arching straplike green leaves.
They bloom best in moist soil at the edge of a pond.
