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Moss, Ferns & Cryptogams

Growing moss in a desert

6 years ago

Howdy!

I found a hanging pot of beautiful rainbow/peacock moss and instantly fell in love. Bought it, brought it home, etc. Unfortunately I live in Colorado which is certainly NOT a humid place.

I have misted the leaves as best as I could without a spray bottle and have been keeping an eye on how moist the soil is. It has been with me for a few days and looks fine generally. Left town for a few days and a small number of spindles have dried up and fallen off. My mother watered it and misted it with a newfound bottle (unfortunately with cold water, argh!). I carefully picked off the dead foliage that hadn't fallen. It is still happy and full looking despite the hair loss.

The room I have it in is simultaneously shaded and bright, I dont know how else to describe it. The succulent in the room is straining toward the light (poor thing needs a better home) and yet I suspect that the side of moss which had been nearest to the windows suffered the most loss. The first snow came in which reflects light in more strongly despite the blinds being drawn and angled up to a different hanging plant I have.

It is probably too early to be concerned yet but I really want this little fella to thrive. Any advice for caring for a moss in a state renowned for being dry? Daily mistings? All advice I've seen on lighting is very mixed as well.

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Comments (2)

Parker Turtle
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Growing Moss in a desert climate can be very difficult. You need three things: shade, protection from wind, and humidity. It's especially important to pick a spot that's shaded during the hottest part of the day, noon to mid afternoon. For wind protection choose or create a sheltered nook, surrounded by walls and other dense plants. Humidity can be achieved by plants surrounding it like ferns, or by a pool of water nearby. Also make sure to mist with water during the hottest part of summer. There are automatic machines you can buy to do this (which aren't to expensive) but they're not necessary. Look up the Fern Cave in Lava Beds National Monument, CA, to get some idea of the conditions moss & ferns need to grow out in the desert.
Paul MI
6 years ago
I am guessing that what you have (or had as it may have died by now, though hopefully not) is Selaginella uncinata. If so, it is not a moss but it is a relative. It requires a moist substrate -- never let it dry out -- and humid conditions. As a hanging potted plant in your conditions, it is unlikely to do well unless you have a humidifier right next to it or under it in close proximity. Otherwise, I'd suggest trying it in a terrarium. (The walls of the terr would help keep the humidity higher around the plant.
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