Do Moss Balls Move? The Fascinating Truth About Moss Amigos
If you’ve got a jar of Moss Amigos or are thinking of adding one to your space, you might be curious about a peculiar phenomenon: do moss balls move?
The idea of a small, spherical plant shifting around in its jar is fascinating and, surprisingly, totally real.
Let’s break down this question and see what makes these moss balls a unique addition to your space.
So, Do Moss Balls Move?
Yes, they do! While they won't exactly roll around like energetic marbles, moss balls (also known as Marimo) do shift and adjust positions. It’s subtle and slow, but once you know what to look for, it’s like nature’s own version of slow-motion magic. The question of do moss balls move comes down to a combination of natural processes, water conditions, and physics.
The Origins of Moss Balls – A Little History
To really understand the question, do moss balls move, it helps to know where they come from. Moss balls are native to freshwater lakes in countries like Japan, Iceland, Scotland, and Estonia.
They typically grow at the bottom of lakes, where gentle waves or currents keep them rolling along the lakebed. This constant movement helps them maintain their round shape and ensures that all sides get exposed to sunlight.
The movement these moss balls experience in the wild contributes to their slow growth, which can be as little as 5 millimeters per year. Explore what drives this natural process.
Why Do Moss Balls Move in a Jar?
When you bring a Moss Amigo into your home, the natural elements that help them roll in the wild change a bit, but they still retain the ability to move. Here’s why:
1. Water Flow
Even the slightest disturbance — like using the Moss Handler to gently reposition the jar or moving it from one place to another — can make your moss ball roll. The lightweight, spongy structure of a moss ball allows it to glide smoothly through the water with just a little nudge.
2. Photosynthesis Bubbles
Another reason behind the question, do moss balls move, lies in photosynthesis. When moss balls absorb light, they produce oxygen. Tiny bubbles of oxygen can cling to their surface, making them buoyant.
As these bubbles build up, the moss ball may float or roll slightly until the bubble pops, causing it to sink back down. This gives the illusion of movement, and it's pretty fun to watch!
In-depth explanation: Why Is My Moss Ball Floating?
3. Manual Rolling
Sometimes, the movement is simply due to you. If you swirl the water in the jar or give your Moss Amigo a gentle roll, you’re helping it stay in good shape. This mimics the natural rolling they experience in lakes, which keeps them healthy and round.
Must Read: 8 Benefits of Exercising Your Moss Ball
The Science Behind Their Unique Shape
One of the reasons do moss balls move is so interesting is because of their spherical form.
Unlike most algae, which spread out over surfaces, moss balls grow in dense, round clusters. In their natural habitat, movement from water currents helps them grow evenly.
If they stayed still, parts of them wouldn’t get enough light and might begin to decay. The rolling motion ensures every side of the moss ball thrives.
Interestingly, in Japan's Lake Akan, large colonies of moss balls grow together, creating a rolling, green carpet along the lake floor. Lake Akan is even designated as a Special Natural Monument to protect these fascinating organisms.
How to Keep Your Moss Amigos Moving
If you’re eager to see your Moss Amigos in action, here are a few tips to encourage their natural movement:
- Swirl the Jar: Every now and then, give your jar a gentle swirl. This not only helps your moss balls roll but also keeps them clean and healthy.
- Bright Light (But Not Direct Sunlight): Place your jar where it gets indirect light. Photosynthesis will create oxygen bubbles that can help your moss ball float and roll.
- Water Changes: Refreshing the water occasionally helps create a gentle flow, encouraging your Moss Amigos to shift positions.
Related: Choosing the Best Water for Healthy Marimo Moss Balls
The Answer Is Clear: Do Moss Balls Move? Absolutely!
Their ability to move — influenced by light, water, and gentle disturbances — adds a fascinating layer of interaction to owning them.
When you observe your Moss Amigos rolling around or floating, you're witnessing a process that connects back to freshwater lakes across the world.
It’s a reminder that even in a jar, nature finds a way to keep things interesting.
Next time you spot your moss ball in a new position, you’ll know it's just doing what it’s always done — moving in its own slow, natural rhythm!
References:
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30926-6
