Packaging a Marimo Specimen for Shipping

Marimo Moss Balls are rare growth forms of green algae that grow into large green spheres with a soft and fluffy appearance! They are native to Japan but are also found in several other regions including Iceland, Estonia and Scotland. Their growth forms can be categorized into three separate types including epilithic (growing on rocks), free-floating filaments (often times found on the muddy lake bottoms), and lake proper (where the algae grow into dense balls that radiate from the center).

Marimo grows about 5 mm per year, ranging from 12cm (Iceland) to 30 cm (Japan). The round shape of the Marimo is sculpted by gentle waves that flicker at it, assuring that photosynthesis occurs no matter which side is turned upwards. In Japan the Marimo has said to be a national treasure.

How to Package your Marimo Moss Ball:

If your ball is alive

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Gently wash it by squishing it a few times in a container with some clean water.

3. Gently roll it around in your hands and give it a couple of soft squeezes to drain out excess water (enough so it is not dripping wet)

4. Wet a piece of paper towel and squeeze it dry

5. Delicately wrap the paper towel around each Marimo ball and place in a sealed Zip-Lock bag, ensure no air gets in/out

6. Double-bag it! It is highly recommended that you place the Zip-Lock bag containing your Moss ball into a bigger Zip-Lock bag

7. Place the now double-sealed Marimo in a box that’s slightly bigger than the ball, not envelope

8. Off they go!

9. Please note that live Marimo should be delivered within the same week that it is shipped!

If your ball is: Dehydrated

1. Wash and dry your hands

2. Ensure your Marimo Moss Ball is fully dried out (squeeze it a couple times and make sure there is absolutely no moisture and wetness that remain on your fingers)

3. Lay them out on a clean surface (preferably a clean, dry, and light-colored towel)

4. Delicately place balls in a dry zip-lock bag, ensure air is fully squeezed out and top is sealed

5. Place sealed zip-lock bag in a box that’s slightly bigger than the ball, not envelope

6. Off they go!

Good luck!