At Marimo Mates, I've seen countless customers fall in love with these adorable, fuzzy green spheres that have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide. Marimo moss balls make fascinating terrarium centerpieces with their incredibly low-maintenance nature, but many DIY terrarium builders ask us: what plants can actually live alongside these underwater beauties?
The key to successfully pairing plants with Marimo lies in understanding their unique aquatic needs. Since Marimo must remain fully submerged in water, creating a mixed terrarium requires some creative thinking and careful plant selection—something we at Marimo Mates help our customers navigate every day.
Understanding Marimo’s Aquatic Requirements
Before diving into plant pairings, it’s essential to understand that Marimo moss balls are fully aquatic organisms. At Marimo Mates, we always emphasize that they require:
- Complete submersion in dechlorinated water
- Indirect lighting (direct sunlight can be harmful)
- Cool to room temperature conditions (68-78°F)
- Regular water changes every 1-2 weeks
This aquatic lifestyle means traditional terrarium plants won’t work as direct companions, but there are several creative approaches to building a stunning mixed terrarium that we love to share with our Marimo Mates community.
Aquatic Plant Companions
Fully Submerged Options
For a purely aquatic terrarium, these plants thrive alongside Marimo and are favorites among our Marimo Mates customers:
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) This versatile moss creates beautiful carpets and can attach to rocks or driftwood. It shares similar lighting requirements with Marimo and helps maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients—a win-win combination we recommend at Marimo Mates.
Anubias Nana With its thick, dark green leaves, Anubias nana adds structural interest to aquatic setups. This slow-growing plant tolerates the same low-light conditions that Marimo prefer and can be attached to decorative elements.
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) The delicate, feathery fronds of Java fern create a beautiful contrast to Marimo’s round shape. Like Anubias, it can be attached to hardscape elements and thrives in low-light conditions.
Cryptocoryne Parva This small rosette plant adds texture variation and stays compact, making it perfect for smaller terrarium setups. Its bronze-green coloration complements Marimo beautifully—one of our top pairing recommendations at Marimo Mates.
Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) For a more natural, pond-like appearance, dwarf hairgrass creates a carpeting effect that makes Marimo appear to be resting in a miniature meadow.
Creative Multi-Level Terrarium Designs
The Paludarium Approach
A paludarium combines aquatic and terrestrial elements, perfect for showcasing both Marimo and traditional terrarium plants. This is one of our most popular advanced techniques we teach at Marimo Mates:
Bottom Level (Aquatic Zone)
- House your Marimo moss balls in the water section
- Add aquatic plants like those mentioned above
- Include smooth river rocks or aquarium-safe decorations
Upper Level (Terrestrial Zone)
- Create a raised platform using aquarium-safe materials
- Add drainage layers of pebbles and activated charcoal
- Include terrarium soil for terrestrial plants
Ideal Terrestrial Plants for the Upper Level
Air Plants (Tillandsia species) These epiphytes don’t need soil and can perch on branches or decorative elements above the water line. They appreciate the humidity from the water below—a pairing that consistently impresses our Marimo Mates customers.
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) This delicate, cascading plant creates a beautiful waterfall effect when planted on upper levels, with its tiny leaves spilling toward the water.
Small Ferns
- Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
- Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) - smaller varieties
Moss Varieties
- Sheet moss
- Cushion moss
- Mood moss
These create a cohesive look with your aquatic Marimo while adding textural interest—combinations we’ve perfected through years of experience at Marimo Mates.
Container Selection and Setup Tips
Choosing the Right Vessel
At Marimo Mates, we’ve tested countless container types and recommend:
For Aquatic-Only Setups:
- Large glass bowls or fishbowls
- Apothecary jars
- Custom glass terrariums with tight-fitting lids
For Multi-Level Designs:
- Tall glass containers with wide openings
- Custom-built terrariums with separate compartments
- Large mason jars or cloches
Essential Setup Components
Water Section:
- Dechlorinated water (spring water or aged tap water)
- Smooth river rocks or aquarium gravel
- Optional: piece of driftwood or aquarium-safe decorations
Terrestrial Section (if applicable):
- Drainage layer of small pebbles
- Activated charcoal layer
- Terrarium soil mix
- Decorative elements like small branches or stones
Maintenance and Care
Based on our experience at Marimo Mates helping customers maintain healthy terrariums:
Water Management
- Change 25-50% of water every 1-2 weeks
- Monitor for algae growth (green water indicates too much light)
- Gently squeeze and rotate Marimo weekly to maintain shape
Plant Care
- Trim aquatic plants as needed to prevent overcrowding
- Mist terrestrial plants in multi-level setups
- Remove any dead or dying plant material promptly
Lighting Considerations
- Provide bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily
- Avoid direct sunlight which can overheat the water and harm Marimo
- LED grow lights work well for consistent lighting
Design Inspiration and Themes
At Marimo Mates, we love seeing the creative designs our customers come up with. Here are some popular themes:
Zen Garden Theme
Combine Marimo with smooth stones, a single piece of driftwood, and minimal Java moss for a peaceful, meditative appearance.
Jungle Oasis
Create a lush multi-level setup with various ferns, air plants, and flowing aquatic plants for a tropical rainforest feel.
Minimalist Modern
Use clean lines, geometric containers, and just Marimo with one or two carefully chosen aquatic plants for a contemporary look.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Our team at Marimo Mates frequently helps customers solve these common problems:
Cloudy Water: Usually indicates overfeeding or too much light. Reduce lighting and change water more frequently.
Marimo Turning Brown: Often caused by too much direct light or poor water quality. Move to a shadier spot and refresh water.
Terrestrial Plants Struggling: Check humidity levels and ensure proper drainage in multi-level setups.
Conclusion
At Marimo Mates, I believe that creating a beautiful terrarium with Marimo moss balls is an art that requires understanding their unique aquatic needs, but the creative possibilities are truly endless. Whether you choose a purely aquatic setup with complementary water plants or design an ambitious multi-level paludarium, these charming moss balls will be the stars of your DIY creation.
Remember that patience is key – both Marimo and most terrarium plants are slow growers, so your design will evolve gradually over time. The reward is a living ecosystem that brings tranquility and natural beauty to any space, requiring minimal maintenance while providing maximum visual impact.
Marimo Mates always encourage our customers to start small with their first Marimo terrarium, and as you gain experience, you can experiment with more complex designs and plant combinations. Our community is always here to help guide you through your terrarium journey. Happy terrarium building!
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