Marimo Moss Ball in Glass Jar | Living Water Plant

Marimo Moss Ball in Glass Jar is a beautifully simple living water ornament, with a soft, velvety green Marimo displayed in a clear glass jar. Exceptionally low maintenance, requiring no soil or plant food, it makes an unusual living addition to a desk, shelf or bedside table – and a lovely little gift for plant and nature lovers.

Despite the familiar name, Marimo isn't actually moss. It is a slow-growing freshwater green alga that can naturally form dense, rounded colonies under particular lake conditions.

Marimo are especially associated with Japan's Lake Akan, famous for its remarkable colonies of large spherical Marimo. Their unusual form, very slow growth and simple care have also made them popular around the world as small living ornaments and gifts.

Light & Position

Place your Marimo in low to moderate indirect light. It does not need a sunny windowsill and should be kept away from strong direct sunlight, which can warm the water and cause the surface to brown.

A bright shelf or desk away from direct sun is ideal, making Marimo particularly well suited to smaller spaces where a conventional houseplant might not be practical.

Water Care

Keep the Marimo fully submerged in clean, cool fresh water. Refresh some or all of the water approximately every 1–2 weeks, or sooner if it becomes cloudy.

Marimo naturally prefer cooler conditions, so avoid placing the jar beside radiators or anywhere the water becomes noticeably warm.

Keeping It Green & Round

Occasionally turn or gently roll the Marimo between wet hands so that different sides receive light and the ball maintains an even shape.

If debris collects on the surface, gently rinse the Marimo in cool clean water. There is no need to fertilise it.

Why You'll Love It

• A genuinely living freshwater ornament
• Exceptionally low maintenance
• No soil or plant food required
• Happy in low to moderate indirect light
• Ideal for desks, shelves and smaller spaces
• Presented ready to display in a simple glass jar
• An unusual living gift for plant and nature lovers

Marimo Details

Accepted Scientific Name: Aegagropila brownii
Widely Used Synonym: Aegagropila linnaei
Common Name: Marimo Moss Ball
Type: Freshwater green alga
Container: Glass jar
Jar Width: 7cm
Jar Height: 15cm

Marimo Moss Ball FAQs

Is Marimo actually moss?
No. Despite its common name, Marimo is a freshwater green alga rather than a moss or conventional houseplant.

Is Marimo easy to care for?
Yes. Marimo is exceptionally low maintenance. Keep it submerged in cool, clean water, away from strong direct sunlight, and refresh the water approximately every 1–2 weeks.

Does a Marimo Moss Ball need sunlight?
Marimo prefers low to moderate indirect light. Strong direct sunlight isn't necessary and can warm the water too much, so a bright shelf or desk away from direct sun is ideal.

Does Marimo need plant food?
No. There is no need to add houseplant fertiliser or plant food to the jar.

How often should I change Marimo water?
Refresh some or all of the water approximately every 1–2 weeks, or sooner if the water becomes cloudy.

Is a Marimo Moss Ball a good gift?
Yes. Its unusual appearance, simple care and compact size make Marimo a particularly good little living gift for plant lovers, nature lovers or anyone short on space.