Step into the lush world of moss, where resilience meets versatility. Uncovering its remarkable adaptability, and exploring the myriad uses it brings to both indoor and outdoor spaces. From thriving in all types of growing conditions to becoming a green muse for creative projects, moss proves that small packages often hold extraordinary possibilities that can be explored by all plant lovers.

Moss belongs to a group of plants known as bryophytes, and they are considered some of the oldest plants on Earth. They have been around for over 400 million years becoming tolerant of extreme environmental conditions and changes. Some species of moss can even survive complete desiccation (drying out) and can later rehydrate, becoming active (alive) again. Given its resilience, moss is generally low maintenance compared to many other house plants. It thrives in humid conditions and doesn't require soil, perfect for low-mess and hassle-free, indoor environments with low natural light.

What is Moss Used For?

While moss has been used in traditional Japanese gardens and other landscaping practices for centuries, its popularity as a houseplant in the wider plant community has risen more prominently in recent years, aligning with the broader trends in indoor gardening, sustainable living, and the desire to bring nature into living spaces.

Floral Crafts: Moss is a popular material in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other crafts. It adds a natural, earthy element to decorations.

Terrariums: Moss is frequently used in the creation of terrariums, providing a miniature, low-maintenance landscape.

Mulching: Some gardeners use moss as a natural mulch to help retain soil moisture and control weed growth.

Soil Erosion Control: Moss helps stabilise soil and prevent erosion, making it useful in landscaping and reclamation projects.

Air Purification: Moss is known to absorb and filter pollutants from the air, contributing to improved indoor air quality. Some people use moss to enhance air purification in their homes.

Traditional Medicine: In some traditional cultures, moss has been used in folk medicine for its supposed medicinal properties. They have been applied topically to treat wounds, burns, and skin conditions.

Insulation: In some traditional building practices, moss has been used as insulation in roofing and wall construction. Its ability to retain moisture contributes to its insulating properties.

Aquascaping: Certain types of moss, such as Java Moss are popular in the aquarium hobby. They are used to create lush underwater landscapes and provide hiding places for aquatic creatures.

Interior Décor and Art: In recent years, moss has become a unique material for adding colour to interior spaces with the use of moss walls, framed artwork, wall hangings, as well as table centrepieces and even floor rugs and mats. Moss is an excellent addition to bathroom décor given their more humid conditions.

Popular Types of Moss Suitable For Indoor Growth

1. Sheet Moss (Hypnum): Known for its velvety appearance, sheet moss is often found covering the forest floor. It forms a lush, carpet-like surface. Ideal for creating a green carpet effect in terrariums or as a base for other plants.
2. Sphagnum Moss: Recognizable for its feathery appearance, sphagnum moss can hold a significant amount of water. It is widely used in gardening and floral arrangements and is an excellent medium for retaining moisture in potted plants.
3. Cushion Moss (Leucobryum): This moss grows in dense, cushion-like clumps, adding a delightful texture to your indoor space. Perfect for creating a mossy accent in decorative containers or hanging gardens.
4. Fern Moss (Thuidium): Resembling tiny ferns, this moss adds a delicate touch to any environment. Great for adding a sense of wilderness to terrariums or as a ground cover in shaded areas.
5. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): Aquatic moss used in aquariums and terrariums. Known for its adaptability and ease of care, and a favourite for aquariums.
6. Marimo moss "Japanese moss balls" (Aegagropila linnaei): A soft and mossy appearance and is a fascinating type of algae that forms into spherical shapes, becoming a unique artistic décor piece when suspended in water.

Care and Maintenance

Light: Moss grows everywhere in the wild from forest floors, abandoned buildings, alpine mountains to urban caves. Anywhere that is somewhat damp and exposed to low natural light.

Indirect sunlight or filtered light through sheer curtains is ideal. Try to replicate the lighting conditions that moss experiences in its natural habitat. Mosses growing in forests, for example, are often shaded by trees and receive dappled or filtered light.

Watering: Excluding Java Moss and other aquatic varieties, keep active moss consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a misting bottle to provide a fine spray of water or set the moss container in a shallow tray of water to maintain humidity. Refresh the water regularly to stop it from becoming stagnant.

Soil: Moss doesn't require traditional soil as they lack true roots like those found in vascular plants. Instead, they have rhizoids, which are hair-like structures that absorb water and anchor them to porous surfaces like wood and rocks.

If planting moss like Sphagnum or Fern Moss on their own, you can use a substrate coconut coir or a mix of equal parts sand and peat moss to give them a base. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Always use the soil mix that is suitable for potted plants or terrariums if you are using active moss as mulch or ground cover. The moss will adapt to suit.

Aquatic Moss: Mosses that are found to grow underwater possess specific features that allow them to thrive in aquatic environments. Certain aquatic mosses, like Marimo Moss and Java Moss, have fine, buoyant and flexible structure that allows them to float or remain suspended in water. This helps them absorb nutrients and oxygen directly from the water. As it is difficult for sunlight to penetrate the surface of water, these mosses also require far less natural light than other varieties. 

Problems and Solutions

Yellowing or Browning: Healthy moss tends to be vibrant green. If your moss is turning yellow or brown, it could be an indication that it is not receiving enough light. Most moss will thrive in dim light but you may need to increase the exposure time throughout the day.

Scorched Leaves or Drying Out: In extreme cases, you may notice that the greenery is turning bleached. Avoid placing moss in direct sunlight to prevent drying out and scorched leaves from overexposure to UV.

Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like mites or gnats. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for a natural remedy.

Overwatering can lead to decomposition: If moss or the substrate it is growing on starts to decompose, it can release odours. This might occur if the moss is kept in overly wet conditions, leading to the breakdown of organic matter. Proper care and maintenance, including providing adequate drainage and allowing the moss to dry out between watering, can help prevent decomposition and associated smells.

Dead Moss: While dead moss may not have the vibrant appearance of living moss, it can still serve several useful purposes such as garden pot insulation and mulch, terrariums, and decor rugs and cushions. However, you do need to preserve it to avoid decomposition using a glycerine and water solution. The method can easily be found online.

Growing moss indoors is a rewarding endeavour that not only adds aesthetic appeal but also brings a slice of nature into your home. With proper care and attention, moss can thrive, transforming your living space into a tranquil retreat. So, embrace the beauty of moss and let nature's simplicity flourish within your four walls.