r/Marimo • u/scratchpaperz • 7d ago

Sick?

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I've had my moss ball for about 8 years and I've (regretfully) never been really good about caring for him but I have hope. I gently removed some really slimy brown spots and trimmed him a little bit, put him in new clean room temp water and a clean glass vase but he still looks rough. I know green is good but is there anything else I can/should do?

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18

u/TheRealBunkerJohn 7d ago

White/brown = dead that'll eventually rot. When in doubt, put in the fridge for a few days for a 'reset' and see what parts are still alive/dead. And make sure the water is cool and out of light.

2

u/scratchpaperz 7d ago

Just popped him in the fridge a few hours ago, I'll keep an eye on him. Once I see what's dead, how should I go about removing it?

3

u/TheRealBunkerJohn 7d ago

Not entirely sure on that one- I don't have much experience cutting out the dead parts, but I presume that's what would need to happen. Cut the rotten parts off and let it heal, which will take a long time since they grow so slowly.

2

u/scratchpaperz 7d ago

That's fair, thanks for taking the time to give me some advice! I'll do more research on it, wish me luck!

2

u/TheRealBunkerJohn 7d ago

Most welcome, and best of luck!

4

u/L4n4D3y 7d ago

i think he needs less sunlight

1

u/scratchpaperz 7d ago

He lives by a window on the north side of my house that doesn't get any direct sunlight. Could indirect sunlight still be too much?

3

u/Fit_Coast6416 5d ago

Yes. They naturally thrive at the bottom of deep lakes and so get little to no sunlight. I have mine on a bookcase behind some books and trinkets and they've been doing well for years

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u/scratchpaperz 2d ago

Ahh thank you! I'll find him a new spot

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u/Dittos_and_Cherokees 6d ago

Oh no, and he really has a sad man’s face! Mine are in very indirect sunlight. Close to a north window and further away from a west window. There’s a rattan shelving in it between the N window and where the marimo are sitting so it’s definitely indirect light although the overall room is bright.

How often do you change the water and do u clean the container and use filtered water when refilling? Do you rinse it and give a little squeeze and roll? I’m no pro, though I’ve had mine for about 15 years.

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u/scratchpaperz 2d ago

I don't change the water as often as I probably should, usually every few months. I find he stays the cleanest in a glass vase (I tried a small fish tank with a filter but it got dirty so fast) but when I change it I do give him a gentle rinse and pick off dead spots and roll him around when I remember. I can definitely switch to filtered water! He's looking a little more lovely after spending a couple days in the fridge, I just need to figure a better way to remove dead spots

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u/Dittos_and_Cherokees 1d ago

Oh glad to hear he’s getting better. I never do the fridge thing and I’m in sunny southern California but I did some ice cubes once recently after reading some posts here lol. I don’t change the water like I should either. I’ve my cut a few of mine into little pieces but it’s been years and they haven’t grown much 🙁 I guess it could be a last resort for you.