Top Picks for Moss in Terrariums: Rich Varieties and Special Recommendations
In the world of terrarium gardening, moss is a popular choice for adding texture, colour, and a touch of the wild. This article will guide you through selecting the most suitable moss types for your terrarium, providing tips on planting and maintaining these delightful additions.
Mosses thrive in humid, low-light environments, making them ideal candidates for the enclosed, moist, and indirectly lit terrariums. Some of the best options for terrarium mosses are tree moss, cushion (or mood) moss, and slow-growing, shade-tolerant species.
Tree Moss (Climacium dendroides) is a great choice, with its tree-like growth pattern adding texture and height to your terrarium. It prefers indirect light and moist but not soggy conditions, making it suitable for closed containers with stable humidity.
Cushion or Mood Moss forms dense, cushiony mats that cover the substrate effectively, thriving in humid, shaded environments typical of terrariums. Its compact growth suits small spaces, making it an excellent option for creating landscapes within your terrarium.
If your terrarium receives more light, sun-tolerant mosses like Sun Moss (Racomitrium) or Silver Moss can be options. These mosses can tolerate some direct light and provide attractive ground coverage, but are less common in closed terraria.
When it comes to planting moss, it does not root like vascular plants but grows by spreading spores and by rhizoids attaching lightly to substrates such as soil, bark, or rocks inside the terrarium. Moss is typically planted by placing or gently pressing small pieces onto the chosen substrate, often requiring very little soil or none at all. Tools like cotton swabs can help place moss pieces carefully in small terrarium openings.
Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum) brings texture to a terrarium with its long fern-like leaves. Before using, it's always a good idea to hydrate the moss, as this removes debris and hydrates the moss. During the acclimatization period, it's important to keep the moss hydrated throughout.
Sheet mosses, such as Hypnum, are relatively low-growing tropical mosses that grow wide and cover areas like a sheet. A popular choice is Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), which is equally happy on land and water, making it a great option for paludariums and vivariums.
After adding moss to a terrarium, the first 3 to 4 weeks are a critical acclimatization period. During this time, it's essential to maintain a stable microclimate, avoiding overwatering and direct bright light to ensure healthy moss growth.
In conclusion, when selecting moss for your terrarium, favour those with slow, dense growth habits such as tree moss and cushion moss, preferring moist, shaded conditions. Planting is done by placement of small moss fragments on suitable substrates inside the container. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving, mossy terrarium landscape.
[1] Terrarium Academy. (2021). Moss for Terrariums: A Comprehensive Guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.terrariumacademy.com/moss-for-terrariums/ [2] Terrarium Craft. (2021). How to Plant Moss in a Terrarium. [Online] Available at: https://www.terrariumcraft.com/how-to-plant-moss-in-a-terrarium/ [3] The Spruce. (2021). How to Plant Moss in a Terrarium. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-plant-moss-in-a-terrarium-1402782 [4] Terrarium Craft. (2021). Moss Types for Terrariums. [Online] Available at: https://www.terrariumcraft.com/moss-types-for-terrariums/ [5] The Spruce. (2021). Moss Types for Terrariums. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/moss-types-for-terrariums-1402783
Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find moss a valuable addition to their terrarium lifestyle, as it thrives in the humid, low-light conditions that mimic typical terrarium environments. As a result, tree moss, cushion moss, and slow-growing, shade-tolerant species are excellent choices for creating a lush, textured landscape within a terrarium.
