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Description

We have found this delicate, creeping to hanging moss on a Bucephalandra that was imported as B. sp. "Tortoise", therefore our provisional name. It is very likely a Vesicularia species, but its closer determination is still pending. In its underwater form, it develops a very flat, creeping carpet on hard materials. Loose shoots grow hanging down comparable to to the Weeping moss, Vesicularia ferriei. In contrast to that, "Tortoise" has a finer texture and smaller, about 1 mm long leaflets, similar to the "Mini Christmas moss". Additionally, it clings better to the substrate than the Weeping moss. Certainly this moss occurs the habitats of Bucephalandra species on Borneo, on rock in the flooding zone of streams, adapted to strong water current.

Vesicularia sp. "Tortoise is not very demanding, however it looks best with medium to strong lighting and good CO₂ and nutrient supply. We have noticed that it develops rather upright, hardly branched shoots when the light is very low. Its minimum and maximum temperatures are unknown to us, but apparently normal room temperatures between about 20 and 26 °C are optimal. Very warm water around 30 °C is certainly unfavourable, as well as with other mosses. It is best tied or glued to hardscape materials such as rock and wood. Even though it has a very flat growth, the mat gets thicker with time, and older parts gradually die off. Before it gets detached, it should trimmed or reduced by cautious plucking. Also small pieces that stick on the substrate will sprout again. This Vesicularia also grows as terrestrial moss under humid conditions.

With its fine, flat, creeping or hanging, densely ramified shoots, Vesicularia sp. "Tortoise" is a true eyecatcher on the hardscape. This moss fits particularly well with natural layouts, together with other epiphytes such as ferns, Bucephalandra and Schismatoglottis roseospatha, inspired by stream biotopes in rainforests. It also appears especially interesting for rinsed walls in terrariums and other emersed setups.