Plagiomnium cf. affine

About this plant

Plagiomnium cf. affine, commonly called Pearl moss, is a rare foliose aquarium moss with rounded green leaves and upright shoots. The abbreviation 'cf.' is important because the aquarium plant resembles Plagiomnium affine but has not been identified with complete certainty. Underwater it grows very slowly, gradually forming soft cushions on wood, stone or other hardscape. Medium light and a steady supply of carbon dioxide and nutrients encourage fuller growth, while clean, stable water helps prevent algae from overtaking the slow-growing shoots. Pearl moss can be used as a foreground detail, a small midground mound or an epiphytic accent in nano aquariums. Propagation is done by dividing a healthy cushion into smaller portions and securing them to a new surface. It can also be grown emersed when humidity remains consistently high.