Java moss is the easy one and Christmas moss is the neat one. Tropica rates Java moss easy with a low demand for light, and Christmas moss medium for both difficulty and light, adding that it grows more slowly. Both attach to wood and rock, both have a low CO2 demand, and both need trimming to keep their shape.
Side by side
| Java moss | Christmas moss | |
|---|---|---|
| Sold as | Taxiphyllum barbieri ‘Bogor Moss’ | Vesicularia montagnei ‘Christmas Moss’ |
| Light demand | Low | Medium |
| CO2 demand | Low | Low |
| Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Thickness | 3 to 10 cm | 1 to 3 cm tall |
| Origin | South-East Asia | Brazil |
The shape is the real difference
Christmas moss is named for its side branches. Tropica says their structure distinguishes it from ordinary Vesicularia dubyana and looks like fir tree branches, which gives a layered, orderly look on a branch. Java moss grows willingly on any surface and builds up thicker, which Tropica says makes it ideal for decorating stones and tree roots or hiding installations in the tank.
What each asks of you
Tropica describes Java moss as a hardy plant that makes few demands on the water or light. Christmas moss is more demanding than ordinary Java moss and grows more slowly, in Tropica’s words, and its light demand is rated a step higher.
One inconsistency to know about: Tropica’s spec tables rate both mosses medium for growth rate, while its description of Christmas moss says it grows more slowly. Plan on the slower pace.
Attaching and trimming
The method is the same for both. Tropica suggests fishing line or cotton thread to hold Java moss until it has gained a hold, and says Christmas moss attaches readily to roots and stones. Spread either one thinly on spider wood or the crevices of dragon stone.
Then keep cutting. Tropica says Java moss can be pruned with scissors if its growth becomes too luxuriant, and that Christmas moss needs pruning as it spreads to keep its shape attractive.
Which to buy
Java moss if it is your first moss, your light is modest, or you want cover fast. Christmas moss if the moss is a feature of the layout and your light is at least medium. It rewards the extra care with a neater shape.
Java moss vs Christmas moss questions
Which is easier, Java moss or Christmas moss?
Java moss. Tropica rates it easy with a low light demand and calls it hardy. Christmas moss is rated medium for difficulty and light, and Tropica says it is more demanding than Java moss.
Is Java moss or Christmas moss better for shrimp?
Neither Tropica page rates them for shrimp. Java moss grows thicker, at 3 to 10 cm, and Tropica calls it a wonderful hiding place for young fish in breeding aquariums, so it gives more cover.
Does Christmas moss need CO2?
No. Tropica rates the CO2 demand of both mosses as low. Light is where they differ: medium for Christmas moss, low for Java moss.
Sources: Tropica, Taxiphyllum barbieri ‘Bogor Moss’; Tropica, Vesicularia montagnei ‘Christmas Moss’.