Have you been wanting to buy a Marimo moss ball but unsure of how to take care of it? Here is a beginner’s guide to everything about these cute little guys! They are easy to care for and treat if they do happen to get sick. Don’t let that last bit of information scare you away, because they are very easy to treat if they do fall ill.

Before I start giving care tips here is some fun facts about moss balls!

• Moss balls originally came from Japan
• They are a sign of good luck and long-lasting love
• They can live for over 200 years and that is why they are regarded as a family heirloom and passed down through the family for generations.

When you first get your moss ball, make sure they are a vibrant color, that shows they are in good health. If they do have any brown spots just carefully snip it off with a pair of small shears. Put the little guy in a small container of water and squeeze it gently a few times.

You can quarantine your moss balls for two to three weeks before placing them in their thank. Especially if you have fish or other live plants that will be housed together. Give the moss ball one (1) drop moss ball food (per moss ball), you can buy this on amazon. This isn’t necessary it just helps them grow faster. I have seen my moss balls (all four) thrive and grow from adding this to their water.

Just make sure you change 20 to 50% of the water once a week and add one (1) drop of moss ball food after every water change (per moss ball). They can last several days without water as long as they are moist. So, when the water is being changed you do not need to place them in water.

Now you’re all set! Now you are a proud owner of a happy moss ball or moss balls.

Let’s talk about the part that is not as much fun but is essential in owning a moss ball. Which are signs of when they become ill and how to take care of them if they do. They are hardy so when the do fall ill it’s not that hard to bring them back to full health. Here are a few tips of spotting illness and how to treat them.

• Healthy moss balls are a bright green, if they are any other shade of green then clean their water, make sure the water isn’t to warm, and or make sure they get more light.
• Lighter or white moss balls indicate they are getting too much light.
• Brown or gray moss balls mean they need to be cleaned. Rotate them gently so the brown spots are facing the top towards the light source.
• Black spots are not a good sign, you can cut them out then gently wash and reshape the moss ball.