How to Treat a Sick Marimo Moss Ball
Although Marimo balls can withstand a range of temperatures and water conditions, color changes may indicate that something is wrong. Below are signs to look for, and what you can do.
White Marimo or Color Loss:
If your Marimo is turning white or loses its lush green coloring, it’s probably receiving too much sunlight. If it also seems a bit slimy or develops an unusual texture, it may have a hostile algae growing around it. Carefully wash the hostile algae off or remove it with tweezers. Another method is to use an old toothbrush to gently scrape off the malignant algae.
Brown Marimo:
If your Marimo is turning brown, it’s time to clean it. If this doesn’t work, carefully pick off the brown (dead) parts and add a bit of salt to the water to stimulate the Marimo’s growth. If the bottom of the Marimo has turned brown, roll it around more often to ensure all areas receive sufficient sunlight.
Disintegrating Marimo:
If your Marimo is turning black or falling apart, it may be decaying from the inside out. This can occur when it has been covered by hostile algae for a while or when it’s too big for clean water to reach the inside. Remove the black parts and gently re-roll the Marimo.
By following these simple guidelines, your Marimo will thrive for years to come.
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Comments (8)
Need help.. Why my marimo ball falling apart i try to resharp it back.. Became to small pieces
Why is the water of my moss balls turning yellow/brown? Is the normal?
You prolly need to clean it just remove the moss balls and porbly just get rid of the container put them in something different and clean your Missy’s well
You prolly need to clean it just remove the moss balls and just get rid of the container put them in something different and clean your Missy’s we’
My moss balls are all losing colors, (I have eight) and my dad thinks they’re dead. They’re a dull green and bits of brown and white. Are they gone? How to save?
Mine are too. I read that it means they’re getting too much light. Perhaps lower the light source amount and change the water? It’s also good to give your mossballs a bath in a little container and squeeze the water out of them. To add, the water should be 78°F or lower, so make sure that’s good too.
Why does mine smell like eggs . It’s super gross.
Same thing happened here, except mine was in that condition when I bought it from a store that kept the marimo out of water for multiple days. I am currently trying all the things I can to treat it, I believe giving it clean(perhaps a bit cool, as in a very little bit cold) water is helping.