Mayaca fluviatilis

Mayaca fluviatilis is native to tropical and subtropical waterways of Central and South America and the southeastern United States. Despite its common name of Stream Bogmoss, it is a true flowering plant whose extremely fine, needle-like leaves and dense branching habit create a resemblance to aquatic moss. It is best suited to soft, slightly acidic water and moderate-to-high lighting, where it grows steadily and forms lush, textured background columns. In harder water it tends to deteriorate slowly; regular water changes with RO-blended water help maintain it in less-than-ideal conditions.

Light: Medium to high; 45–70 PAR for dense, bushy growth. CO2: Beneficial; 15–25 ppm improves vigour and leaf density. Water: pH 6.0–7.2, soft water (GH 0–8) preferred. Planting: Plant bunches of 6–8 stems together in fine substrate in the background. Growth: Moderate; trim tops and replant; discard bare lower sections.