Willow Moss (Fontinalis antipyretica) is a beginner-level aquarium plant. A dark green, feathery moss that grows best in cool water. It suits unheated tanks, ponds and coldwater tanks, and it can struggle or melt if the water stays warm for long.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Fontinalis antipyretica |
|---|---|
| Family | Fontinalaceae |
| Origin | Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America) |
| Height | 4-12 in |
| Light | Low to medium |
| CO2 | Not needed |
| Placement | Attach to wood or rock |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Temperature | 50-75°F |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Propagation | Division |
Quick tips
- Prefers cool water; avoid long periods above the mid-70s F.
- Tie or glue it to wood or rock.
- Keep the water clean to prevent algae on the strands.
San Diego water
Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
New to planted tanks? Start with our beginner planted tank guide and the plant fertilizer guide.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi