Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are affecting one in every of our favourite houseplants? Do you know?Perhaps you probably did, because it has been an issue for over two years. I didn’t know.
What houseplant is it affecting? The lovely Marimo moss ball. I do have a lot of them, however they’re outdated, so this downside doesn’t apply to my vegetation. (Really it’s an algae.)
I suppose as a result of I haven’t purchased one recently, it hasn’t been on my radar. However, once I was on the pet store some time in the past, trying on the vegetation, I believed having one other moss ball wouldn’t be a foul concept. They advised me then I couldn’t get one due to the zebra mussels. So I appeared into it.
What are zebra mussels?
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small bivalve shellfish that stay in freshwater. They’re small and have stripes like zebras. (Sorry I don’t have an image.) They’re an invasive species within the Nice Lakes, and in different our bodies of recent water in america.
Zebra mussels are filter feeders and siphon components of plankton from the water. This takes meals sources from native species. They connect themselves to onerous surfaces akin to boat hulls and pipes and they’re nearly inconceivable to manage. At this level, they’re making an attempt to stop the unfold.
Zebra mussels and Marimo
What do zebra mussels must do with Marimo balls? These invasive creatures had been found on a Marimo ball in a Seattle pet retailer in March of 2021. Their care includes altering the water and emptying it in our sinks. The zebra mussels, if current, might then trigger issues.
As a result of they of the ban in some states, most pet shops don’t promote them anymore. I referred to as many pet shops to see if after two years they’d them again in. Just one pet retailer out of the 7 I referred to as had them on the market. Are they imagined to promote them? I’m undecided.
UPDATE: I purchased one in a Michigan pet retailer final week. I felt good with that call after speaking to Luke Nathan from the Michigan Fisheries Division. He did verify that Marimo are authorized to promote in pet shops in Michigan. They only ask individuals to be on the look out for the mussels.
The opposite retailer’s workers did say they’re hoping to see them come again. They had been a preferred merchandise. Who doesn’t love them?
Marimo destruction
How will you understand if in case you have an infested marimo? In case you purchased your marimo after February of 2021, it might be infested. You’ll in all probability know by now because it has been a few years.
State and federal goverment invasive species businesses requested that in case you had bought a marimo after Feb. 2021 to destroy it. How heartbreaking….
How do you destroy it?
From what I discovered, there are 3 ways to destroy your marimo and stop the zebra mussels from spreading. You possibly can freeze it for twenty-four hours, boil it for one minute, or soak in bleach for 10 minutes or vinegar for 20 minutes. Then put it in a sealed plastic bag and place within the trash. Drawback gone.
Is there a alternative for marimo balls?
I don’t assume there could possibly be a alternative for the lovely marimo. However, after visiting Petsmart this week, I discovered they do have moss vegetation. There aren’t in any means like a marimo. Marimo are algae, however most individuals assume they’re a moss.
These moss, for which haven’t any identification, are flat inexperienced disks. These usually are not cute like a marimo, however they’re inexperienced and in a spherical form….. I purchased one and can see what it does. I’m assuming it’ll proceed to be a spherical disc of inexperienced.
I’m so glad I purchased my Marimo balls lengthy earlier than 2021. I hope you have got an outdated one, too. In case you do, be certain to maintain them wholesome, as it’s possible you’ll by no means be capable of purchase one once more. I really like these little inexperienced algae balls and am glad I’ve them.
Have an ideal week, plant pals.
