Moss balls: Keeping and decorating with these green beauties

In a busy age, many people want to bring some nature indoors but lack the time to maintain higher-maintenance plants. Houseplants can be stunning, but they need a lot of responsibility, like the effort of watering and caring for them when having a fast-paced life. Moss balls are an easy answer. These smooth green orbs not only bring a hint of the outdoors in, but they also usher in a sense of relaxation.

Marimo moss balls are a form of algae, not true moss. They are scientifically called Aegagropila linnaei and they grow in odd spherical forms. Moss balls are popular choices for decoration because of their shape and slow growth. Whether they are part of the aquascape, terrarium, or simply as a part of artful home decor, Marimo moss balls are a fantastic and easy way to incorporate nature and tranquility into a home.

Moss Balls Characteristics and Benefits

Marimo moss ball benefits are great for being a part of natural design and for promoting peacefulness in any home.

Physical Characteristics

• Marimo moss balls are not from the plant family but a form of algae and are known for their round shape.
• They mature very slowly, maybe 5 mm a year.
• They are naturally kept round by the motion of the water that rolls them along the bottom of the lake.
• They tend to stay small in size, but with care, they can live for many years, providing an easy yet long-lasting green element.
• With their bright green hue and velvety texture, they're also a very aesthetic addition to any fish tank or decorations.

Decorating with Moss Balls

Not only is it easy to take care of Marimo moss balls, but they also have lots of room for creativity and fun.

• Aquarium Displays

Marimo moss balls are a lovely addition to an aquarium, particularly when combined with river rocks, some aquatic plants and some compatible fish. Aquarium moss ball maintenance also helps to enhance water quality by taking in nitrates and purifying the water in the tank as well as creating a balanced eco-system. Their very existence might even help maintain cleaner, healthier water.

• Terrariums

Marimo moss balls can be used for a natural looking and unusual terrarium plant. Make a tiny water world in the glass with sand, small plants, a pine cone, small stones and small driftwood. People can also include little boats or shells for an extra element of cuteness. This little situation is a nice way of enjoying the outdoors on a small scale with minimal upkeep. 

• Home Decor

Marimo moss balls are ideal for home decor for their simplistic beauty and low maintenance. Place some of them in stylish vases, jars or bowls to create a natural air. Combine with other plants, decorative rocks or glass to make an attractive highlight on any room. The balls are a low-maintenance way to bring a touch of greenery inside without the hassle of maintaining houseplants. 

• Creative Projects

If a fan of DIY creations, people can make some unique items with Marimo moss balls, such as moss ball necklaces, keychains, or holiday decorations. Being so diverse in application they are perfect for crafts, allowing to bring them into custom pieces of decor and or projects which can add a bit of nature into ones life.

Best Moss Balls at Growcycle

For someone wanting to add some Marimo Moss Balls to their home or garden decor, Growcycle now sells a range of premium SuperMoss goods.

SuperMoss 4" Bulk Moss Ball

The SuperMoss 4″ Bulk Moss Ball is a great addition to any home, office or garden environment where people want to bring a natural, soothing touch.

• Copy the look of real Japanese moss balls.
• Great for making moss gardens or adding to home décor.
• Its organic green color creates a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere in any room or outdoor space.
• It is great for novices or professionals, on or off many occasions.

The moss ball is an easy way to incorporate a little bit of nature in any space. Put it in an aquarium, terrarium, or on a shelf in a vase.

SuperMoss 12" Woven Moss Ball Planter

For a more dramatic and decorative look, the SuperMoss 12" Woven Moss Ball Planter is ideal for adding beauty with functionality to the space.

• Made from gorgeous, vivid mountain moss, for long-lasting durability and good looks.
• Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, versatile for anywhere people like.
• Comes with a hanging chain for convenient placement, in a garden or as a decorative piece in the home.

Whether they’re hanging or displayed in stands as part of an indoor garden, these moss ball planters add elegance to any room or outdoor area.

SuperMoss 6" Kokedama Green Moss Ball Planter

The SuperMoss 6" Kokedama Green Moss Ball Planter adds a touch of Japanese culture to contemporary gardening.

• Modelled after a traditional Japanese practice called Kokedama, this planter is perfect for displaying small plants such as orchids, succulents and herbs.
• Made of tightly woven moss with a removable hanging chain, the ball will look wonderful whether you decide to hang it or place it in a decorative dish.
• Great for indoor and outdoor use; also a great way to display the plants in different areas.

The 6" Kokedama planter is sleek and has a modern look. Put the 6" Kokedama decorative flower pot anywhere in the home and people will have an immediate impact. And it’s a great option for anyone who wants a natural, minimalist look in their home.

DIY Moss Ball Terrarium

Making a Marimo moss ball terrarium is a fun and easy project that enables  bringing a little bit of nature inside. This DIY project yields a peaceful, low-maintenance terrarium that features five easy-to-grow aquatic plants.

Materials Needed

• Glass container: Use a jar, vase, or bottle as the base for the terrarium.
• Substrate: Sand, gravel or small pebbles are required to form the base of the moss balls and decorations.
• Decorative elements: Adding a couple of pieces of driftwood, shells, and even a few plants will help them look aesthetically pleasing and create a mini ecosystem.
• Marimo moss balls: These are the main point of the terrarium, a thing of beauty and peace.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The glass container  must be free from all dust and dirt. The best is to rinse with warm water and then let it fully dry before beginning the project.
2. The bottom of the container should have a layer of sand, gravel or pebbles. This is the base and it allows for water to drain away. People can color it as thick as they like.
3. Handfuls of driftwood, shells or small plants can also be used in the terrarium. All these parts can nicely get together and look gorgeous along with the moss balls making it look really natural.
4. The Marimo moss balls should gently touch the substrate and decor. They need enough room to float and swim around naturally. It is also important not to fill the pot to the top so that there is room for larger plants.
5. Dechlorinated water should be added gradually to the container. Be careful not to disturb the placement of the moss balls or decorative items. People must use room-temperature water because temperature extremes can stress the moss balls.

Incorporate Moss Ball for Home Decor

Marimo moss balls make a very easy to care for addition to the minimalist home, bringing nature in with little effort, yet making a statement due to their natural beauty and calming influence.

Aesthetic Appeal

Marimo moss balls are a great addition to minimalist home decor with their clean and striking green colour. Smooth and spherical, they're nature's statement without dominating the clean lines and uncluttered simplicity that characterize minimalist design.

The subtle yet charming look of Marimo moss balls sets them apart among those who value a more minimalist aesthetic and the presence of the color green. Their compact size and gentle texture contribute to peaceful surroundings and to the principle of ‘less is more’.

Placement Ideas

Marimo moss balls can be used in a variety of places in the home, adding natural beauty wherever they’re placed.

• On desks, shelves, or windowsills: Keep them in petite glass vessels or open terrariums on desks or bookshelves as a lively, natural touch in workspaces or living spaces.
• In bathrooms or kitchens: Moss balls are also perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, bringing in a unique touch of greenery with minimal upkeep. They grow well in low-light conditions, which is perfect for rooms with no direct sunlight.

How to Care For Moss Balls

They are easy to care for and look great and can be an excellent addition to any home or aquarium.

1. Water Requirements

Moss balls do better in clean, non-chlorinated water. Dechlorinated tap water, spring water or mineral filtered water should be used in order for them to have access to salts and minerals. Distilled water must not be used as it lacks minerals and actually may not support their growth. Changing the water every 1 to 2 weeks is essential for keeping the water fresh and not allowing it to become stagnant. This also helps the moss balls and the environment around them remain healthy.

2. Lighting

Moss balls prefer low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight too, as it will make them brown or ruined. They can be placed under LED aquarium lighting or even in ambient room light. Giving them the perfect amount of light will make them healthy without burning up this tender plant. It’s important to place them in an area where they can receive gentle, indirect light. 

3. Temperature

Marimo moss balls should be kept at an ideal temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C). They should be stored away from direct heat sources, e.g., radiators or heaters and from temperature fluctuation areas. Storing them in a cool, moderate-temperature environment allows them to grow properly and keep their bright green color.

4. Maintenance

Marimo moss balls are easy to care for. To help the balls maintain their shape, roll them occasionally every 1 to 2 weeks. This composting aids in their even growth and round shape. If the moss balls begin to float, that’s a sign that some air has gotten trapped inside. Gently squeeze them under water to release any air, in order for them to sink down to the bottom to retain their shape.

Summary

Marimo moss balls are an amazing way to bring nature into the home with minimal effort. Their exclusive round form and bright green hue are an elegant addition to any decor. In addition to their aesthetics, they serve as water purifiers and provide a relaxing atmosphere. Marimo moss balls are ideal for underwater aquarium decorations or minimalist home decor.

For people looking to order exceptional Marimo moss balls and related products, Growcycle provides effortless access to these one-of-a-kind products, so the beauty of Marimo moss balls can be included seamlessly into any home or garden.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.