Marimo Moss Balls

If you are a Ghibli fun, particularly Spirited Away and My Friend Totoro, you will be very familiar with the Marimo Moss Balls or just simply called, Marimo. 

The Marimo hold cultural significance in Japan, where they are considered a symbol of good luck, love, and prosperity. They are often gifted as tokens of friendship or affection and are believed to bring happiness and harmony to the recipient's home.

Marimo moss balls are spherical algae that form naturally in lakes with low currents, primarily in Japan, Iceland, Estonia, and Scotland. They have a velvety texture and can range in size from a few centimeters to several inches in diameter.

Formation: Marimos are formed by the rolling action of water currents, which causes algae filaments to gather and clump together, eventually forming a spherical shape. Over time, additional layers of algae accumulate, causing the Marimo to grow larger.

Habitat: In their natural habitat, Marimo moss balls float near the surface of the water or roll along the lakebed, propelled by gentle currents. They thrive in cool, clean water with low light levels and require regular gentle agitation to maintain their spherical shape.

Care: In aquariums or terrariums, Marimo moss balls are easy to care for. They require low to moderate light levels and prefer cooler water temperatures between 68-78°F (20-25°C). Regular water changes and gentle squeezing to remove accumulated debris are necessary to keep them healthy.

Benefits: Marimo moss balls are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide several benefits to their environment. They absorb nitrates and other pollutants from the water, helping to maintain water quality in aquariums. Additionally, they provide habitat and grazing opportunities for small aquatic organisms.

Propagation: Marimo moss balls can be propagated by gently tearing or cutting them into smaller pieces and rolling the fragments into spherical shapes. These new Marimos will continue to grow and develop over time, provided they receive appropriate care.

Size: Two moss balls in 20cm Glass container