Description
Plant Profile
Mayaca Sellowiniana is a rare and finely structured aquatic stem plant native to the pristine, soft-water wetlands and riverways of South America. Belonging to the Mayacaceae family and was historically confused with Rotala sp. ‘Nanjenshan’, this decorative species features narrow, needle-like foliage that grows densely along supple central stems. Under medium to high lighting and clean water conditions, it forms tight, feathery green shoots that bring extraordinary visual texture and soft movement to aquascapes. Reaching a height of 5 to 10 inches, its compact habit makes it a versatile choice for midground groupings or background hedges in both nano tanks and large display setups.
Key Features & Benefits
Fine, needle-like foliage forms dense, fluffy green shoots for soft texture and visual depth.
Fast-growing stem habit easily branches when trimmed to build thick, rolling midground bushes.
Versatile and decorative species that provides excellent contrast against broad-leaved or red aquatic plants.
Care & Planting Instructions
Remove lead weight and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip the lower inch of foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
Use fine-tip pinsettes to insert individual stems 1 inch apart into aquarium soil.
Provide medium-to-high lighting and clean water conditions; while adaptable, supplying pressurized CO2 injection and regular liquid fertilization rich in iron and micronutrients promotes rapid growth and prevents leaf paling.
Maintain soft, slightly acidic water parameters and avoid sudden parameter shifts to prevent stem melting or leaf shedding.
To propagate, trim main stem tops with sharp straight shears and replant trimmings directly into the substrate. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Mayaca sellowiana / Mayaca sellowiniana
Common Name(s)
Mayaca Sellowiniana, Bog Moss
Family
Mayacaceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Aquatic Stem Plant
Care Difficulty
Medium
Light Requirement
Medium to High
CO2 Requirement
Recommended (Medium to High for dense needle shoots)
Placement / Usage
Foreground / Midground Bushing
Height / Size
5–10”+
Growth Rate
Fast
Water Parameters
pH 4.5–7.0 (Soft acidic water preferred)
Propagation Method
Cuttings (Cut stem tops or lateral shoots and replant)
Origin
South America
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prep bunched Mayaca Sellowiniana before planting?
Remove the lead weight or metal band along with the foam wrap surrounding the lower roots. Inspect the base of the stems, gently rinse away any debris in room-temperature water, and snip off any bruised stem bases before inserting individual shoots into substrate using pinsettes.
2. Why are the leaf tips of my Mayaca Sellowiniana turning pale or yellow?
Like many fine-leaved stem plants, Mayaca Sellowiniana is sensitive to iron deficiencies. Supplying a complete liquid micro-fertilizer rich in iron, along with acidic aquasoil and soft water, will restore vibrant lime-green needle foliage.
3. How do I maintain a bushy growth habit with Mayaca Sellowiniana?
Because Mayaca Sellowiniana grows rapidly, routine topping with sharp aquascaping shears is required. Trimming the main stem encourages lateral side shoots to sprout, doubling stem density and forming a dense, fluffy hedge over time.
