Most of us associate moss with deep forests, old trees, or those shady corners of the backyard. But did you know you can bring that lush, velvety green indoors? Cultivating moss as a houseplant is a fantastic way to add a touch of nature to your decor, though it does require a few specific tricks to keep it happy and thriving in a home environment.
Creative Ways to Display Moss Indoors
When it comes to styling moss inside, the possibilities are pretty much endless. This versatile spore-plant looks amazing in a variety of setups, such as:
- Attached to decorative stones or driftwood,
- Adding a natural touch to aquariums or terrariums,
- Helping orchids thrive by retaining moisture,
- Used as a living mulch for bonsai trees,
- Arranged in minimalist glass bowls or vases,
- Or even shaped into decorative “kokedama” moss balls.
Collecting Moss for Your Indoor Garden
If you’re planning on foraging your moss from the wild, remember to be a good guest in nature. Only take what you actually need and leave plenty behind so the patch can recover and keep growing. Once you get your haul home, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t bringing any uninvited guests (like bugs) inside. Give the moss a good shake, then place it in a sieve and quickly pour boiling water over it to sanitize it before planting.
How to Plant Your Indoor Moss
When it’s time for planting, the secret is all in the substrate. Moss isn’t like your typical potting soil plants; it prefers a mix of peat and sand or a specialized succulent soil. Press the moss firmly onto the surface so it makes good contact with the ground—you can even use a bit of clear fishing line or a hairnet to hold it in place until it settles. Just make sure your container has great drainage, because while moss loves moisture, it hates sitting in stagnant water.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Just like its cousins in the wild, indoor moss craves a cool, shady spot. Keep it far away from direct sunlight, which will scorched those delicate greens in no time. It also isn’t a fan of high heat, so a typical dry, warm living room might be a struggle. Think “forest floor” vibes—cool and dim is the way to go.
Caring for Your Indoor Moss
The golden rule for moss care is moisture, moisture, moisture! You’ll want to mist your moss regularly—ideally every day—with fresh water. Because it loves humidity so much, moss actually makes a perfect “roommate” for your bathroom.
As for feeding? You can skip the fertilizer entirely; moss generally doesn’t need it and can actually be harmed by it. If you’re growing a taller variety that’s getting a bit wild, a light trim every now and then is all you need to keep it looking sharp.
