Are Marimo moss balls safe now?
No, marimo moss balls are not completely banned. But buying from unverified sources still carries serious ecological risks. Legal, clean marimo moss balls are available from fully certified nurseries like Moss Amigos. So yes, you can still enjoy the peace and beauty of marimo moss balls in 2026. Yes, you can keep moss balls in a closed jar, but you need to change the water regularly to keep it fresh. A Marimo moss ball jar with lid reduces evaporation and keeps out dust, but it can also trap gases if the water isn’t changed often.Because they don’t have roots and stems to transport water, mosses dry out very quickly, so they are usually found in moist habitats. The only place they don’t grow is in salt water. Moss plants are usually very small. They have leaf-like structures or phyllids that are usually only a single cell layer thick.Moss species exhibit varying degrees of cold tolerance, which is crucial for their survival in cooler climates. Generally, temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can induce cold stress, leading to potential damage. Prolonged exposure to these low temperatures can stunt growth and even kill moss if conditions don’t improve.Yes! Marimo moss balls can survive without water if kept in plastic or a closed jar for several days, as long as they aren’t allowed to fully dry out. Plastic bags are the easiest way to travel with Marimo moss.Steps to Revive Your Moss Ball: Improve water conditions: Replace the old water with fresh, clean water. Maintain cool temperatures around between 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 25°C). Light exposure: Place it in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause overheating or algae growth.
Can you still buy Marimo moss balls?
You can find real Marimo moss balls for sale online at trusted retailers like Moss Ball Pets™, where each Marimo is hand-inspected, sustainably grown, and guaranteed alive upon arrival. Always check reviews and avoid imitations made from algae or synthetic material. In small aquariums or nano tanks, marimo moss balls are a perfect fit. Their slow growth rate and compact size allow you to create a detailed, balanced aquascape without overcrowding the space.
Why don’t they sell moss balls anymore?
Why Were Some Marimo Moss Balls Banned? In March 2021, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) discovered that some imported Marimo moss balls were contaminated with Zebra Mussels (Reference: USGS, 2021, March 10). The Marimo moss balls were collected in and exported from the zebra’s mussels native Ukraine. The moss balls were then illegally imported to Florida and shipped across the nation. USDA and USFWS are investigating the illegal introduction.Wait, Why Were Marimo Moss Balls Banned in the First Place? In early 2021, the U. S. Geological Survey and U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service discovered invasive zebra mussels hidden inside marimo moss balls sold at pet stores in over 21 states.Dear Valued PetSmart® Customer, We are voluntarily withdrawing the Marimo aquarium moss balls listed below due to invasive zebra mussels being found within a variety of moss ball products.Pet store chains including PetCo and PetSmart have removed “Betta Buddy Marimo Ball,” a moss plant for aquariums, from their shelves after invasive zebra mussels were discovered inside.
Why did PetCo stop selling Marimo moss balls?
Marimo moss balls have been technically banned for importation to US due to an infestation of invasive zebra clams. The good news is that marimo balls are very easy to propagate. Simply squeeze the water out of your moss ball and cut it in half with a knife or scissors.And, Marimo moss balls do reproduce. If the care requirements are followed strictly, you may notice a little green lump growing on the side of your Marimo!Your Marimo Moss Ball should recover quickly. These fascinating specimens are very resilient and have been known to live for up to 200 years and will grow 0.Marimo moss balls propagate naturally by budding or splitting into smaller pieces called baby Marimo or pups.
Can moss balls carry disease?
Can Marimo Moss Balls carry parasites? It’s rare, but they may carry microorganisms or tiny hitchhikers. To prevent contamination, quarantine new Marimo in a separate container for at least a week before adding them to an aquarium. Rinsing them in clean water can help remove unwanted organisms. Marimo moss balls can survive without water if kept in plastic or a closed jar for several days, as long as they aren’t allowed to fully dry out.Healthy moss balls are green and fluffy, dead ones aren’t. If it looks white or brown or is changing some odd color, it’s a sign that it’s sick or needs to be moved to a different location. Marimo are plants and photosynthesize. While they do need sunlight, it’s minimal sunlight.Marimo moss balls roll along the base of rivers and lakes to form their signature ball shape. As I’m presuming you’ll be keeping your Marimo moss inside a container, this process won’t occur naturally. It’s perfectly fine to take out your moss balls occasionally and gently roll them in your palm to regain their shape.