Marimo Moss Ball Kit – Everything you need with Illustrated Guide

What is a Marimo Moss Ball?

Despite its name, the Marimo moss ball isn’t moss—it’s a rare type of spherical green algae called Aegagropila linnaei. Naturally occurring in cold freshwater lakes in Japan, Scotland, Iceland, and beyond, these algae balls roll along the lakebed and grow into velvety, perfectly round forms. In Japan, Marimo is considered a symbol of love and luck, with a famous legend of two lovers whose hearts turned into Marimo to stay together forever.

What’s Included in the Kit?

Your Marimo kit contains:

• 2 x Healthy Marimo Moss Balls (1–3 cm)

• 1x Eco-glass jar with cork lid (Height 12cm)

• Coloured sand or decorative stones

• Natural shells

• A beautifully printed care guide with setup instructions and folklore

• Illustrated information about the Marimo legend to make care even easier and more meaningful

• All items packed safely and sustainably
  We also offer custom bulk orders—perfect for corporate gifts, wedding favours, or event giveaways. Email contact@highlandmoss.com for a quote.

Is the Marimo Moss Ball Kit Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely. This kit is ideal for beginners because Marimo moss balls:

• Require minimal maintenance

• Thrive in low light

• Live in plain cold tap water

• Grow slowly (about 5mm per year)

• Don’t need soil or fertiliser

• Can survive for decades (even 100 years!)
  With an illustrated care sheet and step-by-step guide included, anyone can enjoy the magic of Marimo—no green thumb required.

Is it Safe for Children?

Yes! Marimo moss balls are:

• Pet- and child-friendly

• A brilliant introduction to nature and responsibility

• Perfect for children to build their own water pet world

• Small and mess-free
  Our kits come with everything needed to set up a little aquatic world, making them a fun and educational experience for kids and families.

Can Marimo Moss Balls Live Without Water?

Marimo moss balls are aquatic by nature and should be kept submerged in water. However:

• They can survive up to 7 days outside water if stored in a sealed plastic bag to retain moisture.

• For longer storage, place in a jar with cold water and follow regular care steps.

• They should not dry out or be exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
  If gifting later, simply store the moss ball in water and re-pack it when ready.

Common Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why is my Marimo floating?
Freshly moved moss balls sometimes trap air. Gently squeeze it while submerged to remove air bubbles—it will sink again.

Is brown or dark green discolouration normal?
Yes, some darker patches are natural, especially on younger moss balls. However, yellow or light brown patches can indicate too much direct light or water that is too warm. Move your Marimo to a cooler spot out of direct sunlight and replace the water with fresh, cold tap water, rainwater, or clean natural lake water. Avoid placing it near radiators, sunny windowsills, or heated tanks..

Can Marimo be kept in an aquarium?
Yes! Marimo moss balls cohabit peacefully with fish and shrimp, reduce algae, and look beautiful in water features or planted aquariums.

How often should I change the water?
Every 2–3 weeks. Use cold tap water, rainwater, or fresh, clear lake water if available. Avoid chlorinated or hot water.

Do I need to add plant food or fertiliser?
No. Marimo balls do not need fertiliser—they thrive in clean, cold water.

A Thoughtful Gift for Any Occasion

The Marimo kit makes a beautiful, lasting gift:

• Wedding favour symbolising love and happiness

• Corporate gift for employees or clients

• Birthday surprise for plant lovers

• Christmas stocking filler

• Housewarming gesture with meaning
  Each kit can be personalised with your choice of sand or stone colours and a gift note at checkout. Invoices are never included in gift orders.

Sustainable, Ethical, and Handmade with Care

Highland Moss is a small, independent UK supplier committed to sustainability:

• We use recycled packaging where possible

• All moss balls are carefully inspected by hand

• We source ethically and avoid invasive species issues

• We offer support via email and through our 24/7 Moss Bot care guide assistant on the website

⚠️ Responsible Disposal

If you ever need to dispose of your moss ball, please do not flush it. This can damage local ecosystems. Instead:

• Place it in a sealed bag and dispose in general waste

• Or, dry it out fully and use as decoration (it won’t rot or smell)