can i grow java moss in a container outside? ive got some clear plastic tubs that would work well for growing plants in. so can i set one out in the sun with java moss clippings and expect mass growth?
Java Moss is a moss belonging to the Hypnaceae family. Native to South-east Asia, it is commonly used in freshwater aquariums.Java Moss does not require any special attention. It accepts all kind of waters, even weakly brackish, and all kind of light qualities. It grows best at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
I have grown it outside in limited light in a closed container. It just got too hot around these parts for it to continue growing in the middle of summer.
i would think it would struggle a little bit with algae in water outside.
what would work is to take some sphagnum moss or peat moss, soak it well in some water, give it a quick gentle squeeze so it's not completely soggy and place it in a long shallow container with a clear lid... like toss-able gladware or something similar. top that off with your moss and put the container where it gets good mid-day shade so the container doesn't get too hot.
that should eliminate algae issues, promote faster growth and be maintenance free.
adding some sand to the sphag/peat would give the java something to attach too and might promote faster growth, idk, haven't tested that theory yet.
Definitely recommend a lid of some sort....plants, water and no fish means you will be operating a Java Moss & Noxious Insect Mass Breeding Facility within about 6 hours of putting it outdoors.
if you're growing outside i'd definitely do a side by side comparison at the very least with terrestrial growth. even if you just take a sammich baggy and try it (same procedure) taped to a window that gets good light. i think you'll enjoy the ease of maintenance (none whatsoever) and the growth (seems better than submerged to me so far).
i currently have monoselenium tenerum and riccia growing surprisingly well in sammich baggies taped to my sliding glass door. i also have java moss, riccia and hemianthus calitrichioides growing in a terrarium. i admittedly over-ferted the hc and some hydrocotyle sibthorpioiides but the hc seems to be bouncing back well with no effort on my part.