Complete Guides · Product Care · Terrarium Plants ·Jul 10, 2024

Moss: The Ultimate Care Guide & Identification Manual

by Joe Rees

I’ve said it before and, by Jove, I’ll say it again: I love moss.

And if your eyes are gleaning this here care guide, I’d wager there’s a good chance you do, too.

Treat this guide as a general identification and care manual – as I will be breaking down the needs and characteristics of various moss species.

If you’re using live moss in your terrariums, I’d highly recommend reading our beginner’s guide and terrarium care guide – if you haven’t already.

Oh – and I’ve also written a more in-depth care guide on terrarium moss specifically, whereas this guide will look strictly at care preferences broadly.

A special thank you to Moss Clerks for providing some of the imagery used in this article!

Quick Guide

1 | Live moss care

You may encounter many types of live moss, and they all have slight variations in their care requirements.

In a terrarium, the care will largely be the same.

You must aim for slightly acidic and well-draining soil, constant humidity, indirect sunlight, and mild temperatures.

Adding microfauna, such as springtails, will aid in keeping your moss clean and healthy.

Beyond this general advice, I’ll break down the care requirements for a variety of moss species below.

If you have a live moss mix from ome, please refer to our beginner’s guide for tips on planting.

Bryum capilare

Latin Name: Bryum capillare
Common Name(s): Thread moss
Origin: Native to Europe, North America, and other regions.
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade.
Watering: Requires regular watering to keep soil moist. Enjoys periods of drought
Humidity: Prefers low to moderate humidity levels.
Soil: Grows well in various soil types but prefers moist, alkaline and well-draining substrates. Often found growing on rock surfaces
Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers cooler conditions (10-25°C).
Pruning: Occasional trimming may be necessary to maintain shape.
Propagation: Propagates readily through spores and vegetative means.
Nutrition: Extracts nutrients from soil and surrounding environment.
Storage: Store in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight.

Cladophora aegagropila

Latin Name: Cladophora aegagropila
Common Name(s): Marimo moss ball, Lake ball
Geographical Origin: Native to freshwater lakes in Japan, Iceland, Scotland, and Estonia.
Light: Prefers indirect, moderate light. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Watering: Requires clean, freshwater. Change water regularly to prevent stagnation.
Humidity: Adapted to aquatic environments with consistent moisture levels.
Soil: Grows in water rather than soil. Can be anchored to substrate or left to float.
Temperature: Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 15-25°C (59-77°F).
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Gently roll the moss ball occasionally to maintain its round shape.
Propagation: Reproduces naturally by fragmentation or through division of larger balls.
Nutrition: Absorbs nutrients directly from the water. No additional fertilization necessary.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, clean water environment when not in use.

Dicranum scoparium

Latin Name: Dicranum scoparium
Common Name(s): Mood moss, Broom moss
Geographical Origin: Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
Light: Prefers indirect to dappled sunlight; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist regularly to maintain humidity
Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity levels; mist frequently or use a humidity tray
Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil with good moisture retention
Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers cool to moderate conditions
Pruning: Minimal pruning required; trim to maintain desired shape and remove any dead or yellowing portions
Propagation: Propagated from stem cuttings or spores; propagate in a moist, shady environment
Nutrition: Low nutrient requirements; occasional feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight to prevent drying out or damage.

Fissidens

Latin Name: Fissidens
Common Name(s): Pocket moss, Tooth moss
Origin: Found worldwide in damp and shaded habitats, including forests, streamsides, and rock crevices.
Light: Prefers low to medium indirect light conditions.
Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments.
Soil: Flourishes in well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content.
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures, avoid extreme heat or cold.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required, remove any dead or yellowing parts occasionally.
Propagation: Propagates through spores and vegetative means.
Nutrition: Obtains nutrients from soil and organic matter decomposition.
Storage: Keep in a cool, humid environment with indirect light.

Hylocomium splendens

Latin Name: Hylocomium splendens
Common Name(s): Glittering wood moss, Stairstep moss
Origin: Found in boreal forests across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Light: Thrives in moderate to low light conditions, avoiding direct sunlight.
Watering: Requires consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels.
Soil: Flourishes in acidic, well-draining soil with ample organic matter.
Temperature: Prefers cool to mild climates (10-20°C).
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed for maintenance.
Propagation: Propagates via spores and rhizomes.
Nutrition: Extracts nutrients from soil and decaying organic matter.
Storage: Keep cool, moist, and shaded during dormancy periods.

Hypnum cupressiforme

Latin Name: Hypnum cupressiforme
Common Name(s): Sheet Moss, Feather Moss
Geographical Origin: Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, commonly found in forests, woodlands, and moist habitats.
Light: Prefers indirect sunlight or partial shade, although it can tolerate low light conditions.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Humidity: Requires high humidity levels to thrive, ideally above 50-60%.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Can also grow on rocks, logs, and other surfaces.
Temperature: Prefers cool to moderate temperatures between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Avoid extremes of temperature.
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed. Remove any dead or yellowing parts as necessary.
Propagation: Propagate through spores or by dividing existing clumps. Spores can be collected and sprinkled on suitable substrates.
Nutrition: Obtains nutrients from the environment through its leaves and stems. No additional fertilization required.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dark place with good air circulation to maintain optimal conditions.

Leucobryum Glaucum

Latin Name: Leucobryum glaucum
Common Name(s): Leucobryum moss, Pincushion moss
Geographical Origin: Found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist regularly to maintain humidity levels.
Humidity: Requires high humidity levels; mist frequently or use a humidity tray to ensure adequate moisture.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with good moisture retention.
Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures but can tolerate a wide range; avoid extremes of heat or cold.
Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; trim to maintain desired shape and remove any dead or yellowing portions.
Propagation: Propagate from stem cuttings or spores in a moist, shaded environment.
Nutrition: Low nutrient requirements; occasional feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season can promote growth.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight to prevent desiccation or damage.

Mnium hornum

Latin Name: Mnium hornum
Common Name(s): Hornum Moss, Thyme Moss
Geographical Origin: Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, often found in moist, shaded areas.
Light: Prefers indirect or filtered light, thriving in partially shaded environments.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments, ideally between 60-80%.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with ample organic matter. Sandy loam or peat-based substrates are suitable.
Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers cooler conditions between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Pruning: Occasional pruning may be necessary to remove dead or overgrown portions and maintain a tidy appearance.
Propagation: Easily propagated by spores or division. Spores can be collected and sown onto moist soil to encourage new growth.
Nutrition: Low to moderate nutritional requirements. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, shaded area with adequate moisture to prevent drying out. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Plagiomnium undulatum

Latin name: Plagiomnium undulatum
Common name(s): Waved fork moss, Cressa, Harts-tongue Thyme-moss
Geographical origin: Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Humidity: Requires high humidity levels to thrive, making it suitable for terrariums.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a mix of peat moss and perlite.
Temperature: Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 10°C to 20°C.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or yellowing foliage.
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Nutrition: Requires minimal fertilization; occasional dilute application of liquid fertilizer.
Storage recommendations: Store moss in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight to prevent drying out.

Pogonatum urnigerum

Latin Name: Pogonatum urnigerum
Common Name(s): Bog haircap moss
Origin: Native to boggy areas of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Light: Prefers indirect light or partial shade.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture but can tolerate brief periods of dryness.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments.
Soil: Grows well in acidic, moist, and nutrient-rich soil.
Temperature: Tolerates cooler temperatures (5-20°C).
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged parts as necessary.
Propagation: Propagates through spores and vegetative means.
Nutrition: Obtains nutrients from soil and surrounding environment.
Storage: Store in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight.

Polytrichum commune

Latin Name: Polytrichum commune
Common Name(s): Common haircap moss, Great golden maidenhair
Geographical Origin: Widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, often found in moist, shaded woodland habitats.
Light: Thrives in low to moderate light conditions, preferring dappled sunlight or shaded areas.
Watering: Requires consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged; water sparingly to prevent saturation.
Humidity: Flourishes in high humidity environments, maintaining moisture levels essential for growth.
Soil: Flourishes in acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, such as forest floors or humus-rich substrates.
Temperature: Adaptable to various temperatures but prefers cool to mild climates, with optimal growth between 15-25°C (59-77°F).
Pruning: Requires minimal pruning, primarily removing dead or browned portions to maintain aesthetic appeal.
Propagation: Propagates via spores released from sporophytes, dispersed by wind or water, can also spread vegetatively through rhizomes.
Nutrition: Extracts essential nutrients from the soil and surrounding environment, supplemented by organic matter decomposition.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, moist environment away from direct sunlight to preserve vitality during dormancy periods.

Rhizomnium punctatum

Latin name: Rhizomnium punctatum
Common name(s): Pointed spear moss, Pointed Rhizomnium, Dotted Thyme-moss
Geographical origin: Found in temperate regions across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Light: Thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels and thrives in terrarium environments.
Soil: Grows well in well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter.
Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers cooler conditions.
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove any dead or discolored parts.
Propagation: Easily propagated by dividing clumps or using stem cuttings.
Nutrition: Requires minimal fertilization; occasional application of diluted liquid fertilizer.
Storage recommendations: Store moss in a cool, shaded area with adequate humidity to prevent drying out.

Rhytidiadelphus loreus

Latin Name: Rhytidiadelphus loreus
Common Name(s): Rough-stalked feather moss
Origin: Native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
Light: Prefers indirect light or partial shade.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture but can tolerate occasional drying out.
Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity levels.
Soil: Grows well in acidic, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Temperature: Adapted to cooler temperatures (10-20°C).
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged parts as necessary.
Propagation: Propagates through spores and vegetative means.
Nutrition: Obtains nutrients from soil and surrounding environment.
Storage: Store in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight

Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus

Latin Name: Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus
Common Name(s): Springy Turf-moss, Shaggy-moss
Origin: Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, commonly found in forests, bogs, and rocky habitats.
Light: Thrives in partial shade to full shade environments.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels.
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers acidic and well-draining soil.
Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, from cool to moderately warm.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required, remove dead or damaged parts as needed.
Propagation: Propagates through spores and vegetative means.
Nutrition: Obtains nutrients from soil and organic matter decomposition.
Storage: Keep in a cool, humid environment with indirect light.

Sphagnum quinquefarium

Latin Name: Sphagnum quinquefarium
Common Name(s): Five-parted bog moss
Origin: Native to boggy habitats in North America.
Light: Prefers partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Requires consistently moist conditions, typical of bog environments.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity levels.
Soil: Flourishes in acidic, nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils.
Temperature: Prefers cool to mild climates (10-20°C).
Pruning: Minimal pruning required.
Propagation: Propagates through spores and vegetative reproduction.
Nutrition: Extracts nutrients from water and decaying organic matter.
Storage: Keep cool, moist, and shaded to maintain vigor.

Taxiphyllum barbieri

Latin Name: Taxiphyllum barbieri
Common Name(s): Java Moss
Geographical Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, commonly found in tropical freshwater habitats.
Light: Can thrive in low to moderate light conditions but benefits from moderate to high indirect light.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture levels. Submerge or mist regularly to keep the moss hydrated.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments, ideally between 50-80%.
Soil: Adaptable to various substrates including rocks, driftwood, and mesh. Doesn't require soil but can anchor onto surfaces.
Temperature: Prefers tropical temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).
Pruning: Trims easily with scissors to maintain desired shape and prevent overgrowth.
Propagation: Easily propagated by cutting and attaching portions to desired surfaces. Spreads rapidly under suitable conditions.
Nutrition: Low nutritional requirements; can derive nutrients from water column and organic matter.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a well-maintained aquarium environment with suitable water parameters and lighting to ensure health and vitality.

Thamnobryum

Latin Name: Thamnobryum
Common Name(s): Umbrella moss
Origin: Found in temperate regions worldwide.
Light: Thrives in low to moderate light conditions.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture but can tolerate brief dry periods.
Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels.
Soil: Flourishes in well-draining, acidic soil with organic matter.
Temperature: Thrives in cooler temperatures (10-20°C).
Pruning: Prune sporadically to maintain desired shape.
Propagation: Propagates through spores and vegetative means.
Nutrition: Obtains nutrients from soil and surrounding environment.
Storage: Keep in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight.

Thuidium tamariscinum

Latin Name: Thuidium tamariscinum
Common Name(s): Common tamarisk moss, Fern moss
Geographical Origin: Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Light: Thrives in indirect light to partial shade
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist regularly to maintain humidity
Humidity: Requires high humidity levels; mist frequently or use a humidity tray
Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content
Temperature: Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 10°C to 24°C
Pruning: Minimal pruning required; trim to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or damaged portions
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or spores; propagate in a moist, shady environment
Nutrition: Low nutrient requirements; occasional feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, humid environment away from direct sunlight to prevent drying out or damage.

Tortula ruralis

Latin Name: Tortula ruralis
Common Name(s): Star moss, Twisted moss
Geographical Origin: Widely distributed across temperate regions worldwide.
Light: Thrives in partial shade to full sun, depending on local climate conditions.
Watering: Requires occasional watering to maintain moisture levels in dry periods.
Humidity: Tolerant of variable humidity levels, but prefers moderate humidity.
Soil: Grows well in a well-draining, sandy or loamy soil mix.
Temperature: Adapted to a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm climates.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required, remove any dead or damaged portions as needed.
Propagation: Propagates readily from spores or by fragmentation of existing plants.
Nutrition: Extracts nutrients from the soil and surrounding environment.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.

2 | Live Moss Troubleshooting

Is sphagnum moss good in terrariums?

Certainly, sphagnum moss can contribute to a healthy substrate but isn’t typically used decoratively on the surface in the same way as other mosses.

Why is my moss turning brown/yellow?

Brown or yellow moss can indicate issues with moisture levels. Ensure that the moss is neither too dry nor waterlogged.

How often should I water my moss?

Watering frequency depends on humidity, temperature, and the moss species. Generally, misting the moss lightly once or twice a week is sufficient unless your moss is being kept inside a terrarium.

What should I do if my moss feels dry?

Increase the frequency of misting or watering to keep the moss adequately hydrated. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other problems. Keeping your moss in an enclosed environment can help retain humidity.

Can I use tap water to water my moss?

Tap water may contain chlorine and minerals that can harm moss over time. It's best to use distilled or rainwater for watering.

How do I prevent algae growth on my moss?

Algae growth is often caused by excess moisture and sunlight. Ensure proper airflow and avoid overwatering to discourage algae growth.

What should I do if I notice pests on my moss?

Remove any visible pests manually and consider using natural pest control methods like neem oil or introducing predatory insects like ladybugs or nematodes.

Why is my moss looking limp and wilted?

Limp and wilted moss can indicate dehydration. Increase watering frequency and ensure that the moss receives adequate moisture.

How can I revive dried-out moss?

Soak dried-out moss in water for a few hours to rehydrate it. Ensure that excess water drains away afterwards to prevent waterlogging.

What temperature range is ideal for moss?

Moss thrives in moderate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Avoid exposing moss to extreme heat or cold.

Why is my moss growing unevenly?

Uneven moss growth can result from inadequate light exposure or moisture levels. Adjust environmental conditions to promote uniform growth.

Is it normal for moss to turn brown during winter?

Some moss species may enter a dormant phase or exhibit browning during winter. Ensure adequate moisture and avoid overwatering during dormancy.

How do I remove dead or decaying moss from my terrarium?

Gently lift and remove dead moss using tweezers or a soft brush. Avoid disturbing healthy moss and substrate while cleaning.

What should I do if my moss loses its vibrant green colour?

Loss of green colouration can indicate nutrient deficiencies or excessive sunlight. Consider supplementing with a balanced moss-friendly fertilizer and adjusting light exposure.

Can moss tolerate direct sunlight?

Most moss species prefer indirect or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause moss to dry out and become scorched.

How do I prevent moss from spreading to unwanted areas in my garden?

Install physical barriers or borders to contain moss growth. Regularly trim and maintain moss to prevent it from spreading beyond desired boundaries.

Is it normal for moss to develop sporophytes?

Yes, sporophytes are part of the moss reproductive cycle and are a sign of healthy moss growth. Allow sporophytes to mature and release spores for propagation.

How do I promote moss growth on rocks or other surfaces?

Ensure that the surface is porous and retains moisture well. Mist the surface regularly and provide indirect light to encourage moss colonization.

Can I use moss in outdoor landscaping?

Yes, moss can be used in outdoor landscaping to create natural, low-maintenance ground cover. Choose moss species that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions.

If you have any requests for more species of moss to be added to this guide, please leave a comment below.

Shop for live moss from ome.

- Joe

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