Want a moss with actual structure rather than a green tangle? Christmas Moss grows in flat, triangular fronds that branch like tiny fir boughs, holding a defined shape as it fills in. It's the moss aquascapers reach for when the moss itself is meant to be seen.
What You’ll Receive
- Sold as a small loose portion, approx. 2" x 2" in size
- Perfect to attached to driftwood, rock, or stone
Plant Profile
- Common name — Christmas Moss, Xmas Moss
- Scientific name — Vesicularia montagnei
- Also known as — Taxiphyllum sp. 'Christmas', Vesicularia sp. 'Christmas'
- Placement — Midground, on wood or stone
- Mature height — 2–4 in
- Growth rate — Slow
Care
- Difficulty — Beginner to keep, though slower to establish than Java Moss
- Light — Low to medium. Bright light brings algae it grows too slowly to shed
- CO₂ — Not required! It simply branches denser and faster with it
- Water — 68–82°F · pH 6.0–7.5
- Feeding — Water column
- Propagation — Fragmentation; every trimmed piece grows on
Grower’s Notes
- Cooler water is what produces the true Christmas shape. Above roughly 78°F the fronds grow looser and longer and it starts to look like ordinary Java Moss — the tight triangular branching is a cool-water trait.
- Tie it on thin and let it thicken. A thick pad shades and rots underneath long before the surface fills in, and Christmas Moss is too slow to recover from that quickly.
- Trim the surface every few weeks once established. Cutting forces branching, which is what keeps the frond shape crisp instead of stringy.
- Gentle flow keeps it clean. The dense fronds trap detritus in still water, and a silted moss browns from the inside out.
Want to go deeper? Read our complete Aquarium Moss Care Guide.
Notes
- Photos are for reference. Portion shape, density and frond form vary with temperature and growing conditions.
- Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.
At a glance
- Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
- Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
- Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
- USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
- UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
- UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
- Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
- We ship within the United States only.
Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.
The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.
Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.
How it works
- Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
- Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
- We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.
Good to know
- Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
- Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
- Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.
The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.
Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.
Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.
Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.
Customers praised the moss for arriving healthy and thriving in aquariums. Most reported "excellent condition" with vibrant green color and generous portions. Some experienced browning after arrival or during acclimation. Shipping was consistently fast and well-packaged, even across long distances.
- Quality plants arrived quickly and in wonderful condition. 2600 miles away.
- Arrived healthy, green, in good shape and pest free.
- Plants came in healthy and well packaged. The shrimp loved it!
A
Arrived healthy, green, in good shape and pest free. Thanks!
J
I cannot believe in this weather that all of my moss arrived so healthy. I will be ordering more when I can.
F
A little browning upon receipt from shipping but I’m happy with it. I’m hoping it bounces back more now that it’s planted!
R
The Christmas moss I recieved is bouncing back nicely from shipping, and my shrimp couldn't be happier with it. Thanks APF!
K
Very fluffy, green and healthy. Good sized portions. I used the moss to fill gaps between rocks in my hard scape.
K
The Christmas Moss arrived in three small pouches. The Christmas Moss was a healthy green colour. I am thrilled.
C
Plants arrived in excellent condition and are thriving.
R
Plants are thriving!
T
Quality plants arrived quickly and in wonderful condition. 2600 miles away. What else is there to say? I’m a fan…. Chance’em, find out for yourself. As we say in Hawaii, no be shy, buy plenty. Dose guys stay good yea.
S
Christmas Moss
M
Ordered 2 clumps
They arrived in great condition and were large portions
P
Shipping was fast, packed well. Not sure about this one. Didn't look great when it arrived, only got a small portion. Has been in my tank for about two weeks and it's turning brown. I'm hoping it will pick up but I'm doubtful.
J
Arrived healthy and looks great attached to the driftwood in my aquarium. Gives the look of trees like I wanted
c
So far so good! Plants came in healthy and well packaged. Got some plants for my son’s new tank and put some Christmas moss in the other tank and the shrimp loved it!!
R
Really happy with my order. Quality plants and quality service. I’ll buy again for sure. Thank you
D
Looks great in my planted tank
A
Christmas Moss
B
Plants arrived in excellent condition
G
All the plants came in excellent shape
J
Amazing quality highly recommend
J
I did need that and I love that.
W
Arrived healthy but quickly went dormant.
K
Thank you.
T
Great quality
Z
Condition is perfect. Very healthy looking. I didn't receive as much as I was hoping for but overall very happy with the moss. I purchased several different plants from APF and they all look great. I will definitely buy from them again.
M
How do you attach it to structure?
Attached by cotton thread would be ideal.
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