Spiky moss (Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky Moss') care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Taxiphyllum 'Spiky'
Family
Hypnaceae (moss family)
Origin
Asia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low light (tolerates very low light); CO2 not needed

Care

'Spiky Moss' is an Asian moss often compared with Christmas moss but larger, with many deep green branched shoots. It grows fast to about 2–10 cm. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs, and it copes with very low light. It shows off its branched shoots best on vertical surfaces; for a carpet, plant small tufts in the substrate with small gaps between them. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Pull or cut off pieces and attach them elsewhere. Tropica supplies it as tissue culture in cups.

Compatibility and tank mates

Suits almost any tropical tank; good cover for shrimp and fry.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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