A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT MARIMO MOSS BALL

Marimo Moss balls were first discovered in 1823. They are fluffy balls of a rare spherical algae called Cladophora in Japan or Aegagropila Linnaei. Marimo is a Japanese word literally meaning seaweed ball, they are not moss at all. They do not have a core or stone inside them, they are solid algae and knit themselves together at a snail’s pace growing just 0.5cm per year and have been known to grow between twenty to thirty centimetres in diameter and live for over 100 years, so it is often joked that they can make a wonderful family heirloom.

In 1921 Japan made them a National Treasure, they are also thought to be lucky and some people keep them as pets and even give them names. Another reason to love Marimo moss balls is a beautiful lore that surrounds these mysterious aquatics. Legend tells of two lovers who desired nothing more than to be together. When their love was forbidden, they fell into the water and their hearts became Marimo balls.

They are found in just five lakes in the world, in Japan, Iceland, Estonia, Scotland and now Australia. They grow in shallow bodies of water up to 2.5 meters deep. The round shape is caused by the water currents rolling, moulding, and forming the ball.

In Japan Marimos have been protected since 1940 and in Iceland since 2006 due to people taking them from the lakes and diminishing their numbers over the years. The majority of Marimo are propagated in large tanks with perfect growing conditions, so saving the species in their natural environment.

CARE FOR YOUR MARIMO MOSS

On arrival, your Marimo moss may need to be rolled to keep its shape and it might float, this is normal. Do not keep your Marimo in direct sunlight or near a heat source, they like a cool spot. In the bottom of the lakes where they live it is dark and cold. Algae naturally need light to grow and may need fluorescent light in a very dark room, but leaving your Marimo in direct light will actually make it sick and turn brown.

Sent in kit form they are easy and great fun to assemble. Marimo need their water changed every 10 to 14 days, more often during the hot summer months to keep them healthy. Clean their environment with regular tap water and refill it with either tap water that has been stood for 24 hours, filtered or bottled water. You can wash your Marimo under the cold water tap, gently squeeze them and roll them in your hand to help keep their shape. You can also feed your Marimo too by adding a tiny amount of 'Marimo Nutrient Liquid Fertilizer.' (Which can be purchased online).