Aquatic PlantsBeginner🌑 Low light

Flame moss

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame' · also called Flame moss, Taxiphyllum 'Flame', Taxiphyllum sp. Flame

🐾 Pet-safe

Generally non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Flame moss is a distinctive, as-yet-undescribed Taxiphyllum whose shoots grow vertically upward in twisting, flame-like columns rather than spreading flat. This unusual upward habit makes it a striking accent on rocks and wood in aquascapes.

Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.

Quick facts

Category	Aquatic Plants
Family	Hypnaceae
Native origin	Southeast Asia (genus Taxiphyllum; this aquarium strain originates from tropical/subtropical Asia and is not assigned to a described species)
Care difficulty	Beginner
Light	Low light
Pet toxicity	Pet-safe

Light

Low to medium light (~15-40 PAR). It grows under modest lighting, but moderate light helps maintain its characteristic upright, tightly twisting growth. Excessive light without balanced nutrients/CO2 invites algae in the dense fronds.

Water

Temperature 18-28 C (ideal ~22-26 C), pH ~6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water. Responds well to water-column dosing of a balanced liquid fertiliser. Moderate flow helps it hold its vertical form and stay clean.

Soil & potting

Non-rooted moss with rhizoids — do not bury. Tie or glue a thin layer onto rock or wood; because it grows upward, spread it in a flat patch and let the new shoots rise vertically. No substrate or root tabs needed.

Environment — humidity, temperature, placement

CO2 is optional but improves density and the upright flame structure. Prefers gentle to moderate flow. Best used as a midground/foreground accent or to add vertical texture on hardscape. Grows submersed, and can be grown emersed in humid conditions.

Propagation

Propagate by fragmentation — divide a clump and tie/glue the pieces to new surfaces, where they resume their upward growth. Trimming the tops both maintains shape and provides propagation material.

Toxicity detail

Non-toxic and safe for all fish, shrimp and invertebrates; provides good cover and grazing biofilm. Not invasive or legally restricted; never release into natural waterways.

Growth stages

How this plant changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.

Photo coming soon

Spore / recruit

Aquatic plants and macroalgae establish from spores, seeds, or drifting fragments that settle and attach to substrate or rock. Many freshwater aquarium plants and marine macroalgae also spread readily from a detached piece that takes root or holdfast.

Photo coming soon

Young growth

Young growth puts out its first blades, fronds, or leaves and anchors with roots or a holdfast. Submersed plants may look different from their emersed form, and growth speeds up as the plant adapts to the water's light and nutrients.

Photo coming soon

Mature

A mature aquatic plant or macroalga reaches its full size and characteristic shape, forming the dense growth, runners, or fronds typical of the species. Established plants spread to fill space and can be divided or trimmed to propagate.

Sources

Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame Moss' — Tropica (plant database)
Taxiphyllum — Wikipedia (encyclopedia)