Java Moss | Vesicularia dubyana
Java Moss
Scientific Name: Vesicularia dubyana
Common Names: Java Moss, Singapore Moss
Our Java moss is a must-have for all Southeast Asian Biotope Aquariums, blackwater aquariums, or botanical method aquariums. The habitat it creates provides many benefits to microorganisms, fry, and aids in excess nutrient absorption. Java Moss is referred to via 2 scientific classifications: V. Dubyana and V. barbieri. Our moss is 'true' Java moss and verified Vesicularia dubyana, which grows slightly more compact than V. barbieri both under water and emersed in a paludarium. Clumps can be affixed to wood, rock, or the outside of seed pods using cotton thread or super glue. If grown emersed, keep this moss particularly wet for the first couple of weeks to help it establish on the growing surface of choice.
You will receive one (1) 4 oz. cup portion of Java Moss. Usually, this is around the size of a golf ball. Portion size may vary slightly.
Caring for Java Moss in Blackwater Aquariums
Care Level: Easy
Light: Low to Medium
CO2: Unnecessary
Tint Tolerance: Low to High, keeping in mind that high levels of tannins can drastically reduce the ability of the plant to photosynthesize.
Native Habitat: South East Asia
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. Our blackwater aquarium plants are provided by H2OPlants in adherence to their Shipping and DOA Policies. Your curated selection will arrive in their packaging separate from your botanical & merch orders.
Java Moss | Vesicularia dubyana
Home is getting a bit more natural
While the aesthetic appeal of botanicals and tinted water can be quite attractive to us, the recreation of nature to emulate water conditions, feeding patterns, spawning displays, and territory building are the true benefits botanicals provide to our critters.
Botanical FAQs
Compostable Packaging Promise
Our packaging is designed to return safely to the Earth, just like the botanicals inside. Every bag is BPA- and Phthalate-free, GMO-free, and contains no animal products. Each meets ASTM D6400 composting standards, ensuring it can fully break down in a home compost bin.
What are the Fluffy White Growths on my Botanicals?
That’s biofilm and fungi—what we call the “goo phase.” It’s one of the clearest signs that your aquarium is alive and functioning. These growths wax and wane naturally as botanicals decompose. They’re harmless, even beneficial, and will disappear on their own once microbial populations stabilize.
Will botanicals lower the pH of my water?
That depends entirely on your source water. In very soft or RODI water, botanicals can gradually lower pH as tannins and humic substances accumulate. In medium to hard tap water, buffering capacity often resists these shifts, and you may not notice much change. At Betta Botanicals HQ, our very hard water (350+ ppm) shows almost no pH change unless we use botanicals like Alder Cones or Macaranga Leaves.
When should I replace leaves or pods in my tank?
We recommend allowing botanicals to fully break down into detritus, since this fuels microbial life and enriches the substrate. You can remove them once they stop tinting the water, but you’ll lose some of their ecological benefits. Each time you add new botanicals, follow proper preparation and observe your livestock until you learn your aquarium’s rhythm.
Are your products just for bettas?
Nope. Our botanicals are safe for almost all aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. The only exceptions are goldfish and axolotls, which may ingest small pods like alder cones or casuarina cones. For those species, we recommend large leaves such as Indian Almond, Loquat, or Jackfruit.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are natural compounds released by leaves, seed pods, and bark as they decompose in water. They soften water, gently lower pH, and create the characteristic tea-stained tint found in blackwater habitats. But their role goes far beyond color—tannins fuel beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, which form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They also offer mild antifungal benefits and help reduce stress in fish by replicating the natural conditions they’ve evolved in. At their core, tannins are plant-derived antioxidants that connect your aquarium to the same processes at work in wild flooded forests and streams.