However, both species are classified under the same genus Taxiphyllum. The confusion surrounding the plant’s name comes from the Latin names having been wrongly matched with the plant’s common names.įor example, Vesicularia Dubyana, which is also called Singapore moss or Christmas moss, is totally different from Taxiphyllum Barbieri or Java moss. Originally, the plant was known as Vesicularia Dubyana however, it has been reclassified as Taxiphyllum Barbieri.

There is some confusion over Java moss’s scientific name. For that reason, you can buy this plant in most good fish stores and online.

Java moss is probably the most popular and commonly seen of the freshwater aquarium mosses, largely because it is not fussy when it comes to water quality and lighting. However, the plant also grows underwater, which is why it is so popular in the aquarium hobby. Java moss belongs to the Hypnaceae family of plants that come from Southeast Asia, where you’ll see it growing on tree trunks, rocks, and river banks. In this guide, we tell you everything that you need to know about growing and caring for Java moss so that you can get the very best out of this versatile, beautiful species.

If you’re looking for an attractive, hardy, easy-to-grow aquatic plant to add to your setup, Java moss could be a good species to start with.