Meet the Marimo Moss Ball

I saw this floating ball of moss in a pet store one day and instantly knew — I needed this little mossy friend in my life. I had no idea where I was going to put it or what one even does with it… but it didn’t matter. She was coming home with me. My new little plant pet.

And now that I’ve had time to get to know her, let me introduce you too.

Say hello to one of the lowest-maintenance plant pets on the planet — the Marimo Moss Ball.

Fun fact: Marimos aren’t actually moss (yep, I only found that out later!). They’re a rare form of algae that naturally forms into velvety green spheres. In the wild, they roll gently along the bottoms of lakes in Japan, Iceland, and a few other lucky spots on Earth. In your home, they just need clean water and the occasional swirl to stay happy.

She’s soft, green, and a little round ball of joy. Whether you keep her on your desk, in a jar by the window, or as part of an underwater plantscape, a Marimo is a charming (and surprisingly hardy) companion.

Water & Container

• Water type: Regular tap water works just fine in most areas! If your tap water is treated heavily or has chlorine, let it sit out for 24 hours before using. You can also use filtered water.

• Change the water: Every 1–2 weeks is perfect. If the water looks cloudy or has a smell, go ahead and refresh it sooner.

• Container size: Your Marimo will arrive in a cute, travel-safe cup — but she’ll happily live in anything from a small jar to a full fish tank (as long as there are no fish that nibble).

• Decor tip: Add pebbles, shells, or a few aquatic stones for extra flair — just rinse them first!

Light & Placement

• Keep her out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can be too intense and might turn her brown.

• Indirect light is perfect. Think: a bright room, but away from the window or direct beams.

• No light? No problem. Marimo can survive in low light, but a little natural brightness helps her stay green and perky.

Swirl & Rotate

• Give her a gentle swirl every now and then (especially after water changes). It helps her maintain her round shape and keeps all sides evenly green.

• If she starts to look uneven or a bit flat, gently roll her between your palms in clean water to reshape her.

Bonus Tips

• Too warm? Keep her in cool to room-temperature water (10–24°C). If things get toasty in summer, pop her in the fridge for a few hours.

• Floating? She might float now and then — usually just trapped air. Give her a gentle squeeze underwater to release it.

• Brown spots? It could be too much light or dirty water. Trim off any damaged bits and refresh her space.

Marimo Moss Balls grow very slowly — like 5 mm per year — but they can live for decades with a little love. In Japan, they’re considered good luck and are often passed down through generations.

She just a calming little green friend that’s cute, easy, and completely unique.