Live Rock Cap Moss (Dicranum Scoparium)

Scientific Name

The scientific name for rock cap moss is “Dicranum Scoparium”.

Physical Characteristics

Rock cap moss is made up of individually celled leaves, attaching to a single stem, branched or unbranched. This plant does not have flowers or true leaves. Instead, it has small, scale-like leaves that are arranged in whorls around the stems. The stems of can grow up to 12 inches tall.

Habitat

The natural habitat of rock cap moss is moist, shaded areas without much sun such as woods and forests. It thrives in planting zones 4-8 if planted in areas with sufficient moisture. Try to avoid dry soil and areas with afternoon sunlight.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of rock cap moss are that it can help relieve anxiety and tension, it can be used as a natural air purifier, and it can also help to reduce noise pollution.

This moss is known to be a good companion plant and can replace grass in a garden. It can help to protect other plants from wind and sun damage, and it can also help to retain moisture in the soil.

Is Rock Cap Moss Vascular Or Non-Vascular?

Rock cap moss is a non-vascular plant. Meaning it doesn’t have any specialized system for transporting water and nutrients.

How Long Does Rock Cap Moss Live?

The average lifespan of this moss is around 10 years.

Growing Instructions

If you’re interested in growing rock cap moss, there are a few things you should know. First of all, this plant is very slow-growing and grows best in planting areas 4-8. So, don’t expect it to cover an area overnight! It can take up to two years to reach its full growth potential.

This moss loves prefers shade with moist conditions like most moss species. It’s a good idea to plant it in an area that gets dappled sunlight or filtered light to encourage colonization. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves and kill the plant.

It will thrive acidic soil with a pH level of 5.0-6.5 and will do well if you live in planting zones 4-8. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH level by adding organic matter such as peat moss or compost. Adding sulfur to the soil can help lower the pH level as well.

How To Plant Rock Cap Moss

Rock cap moss grows in planting zones 4-8 and thrives in moist, shaded areas of your garden. You can also find this plant in the wild in moist and in the shade. Simply dig a hole in the desired location, remove the grass if necesarry and add some compost to the hole, and then plant the moss. Water it well and keep the area moist.

The best time to plant moss species is spring or fall. Avoid planting during the summer, as this can stress the plant and cause it to go into dormancy.

Uses

Rock cap moss can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a ground cover, an accent plant, or even a container plant, and sometimes it is used for moss lawns. Only use this moss for lawns if you plant it in areas without much foot traffic. Use other mosses like sheet moss if you want to replace a grass lawn.

This plant is also used in the floral industry and is often used as filler in bouquets and arrangements.

The craft industry has discovered this beautiful lush plant as well and crafters use it to make wreaths, topiaries, and other decorations.

Whatever way you choose to use it in your garden, be sure to provide the plant with moist, shaded conditions. With proper care, it will thrive and add beauty to your garden for many years to come.

Can Rock Cap Moss Be Used For Moss Lawns?

Yes, this can be used for moss lawns but we recommend sheet moss to replace grass. Moss lawns are a type of low-maintenance lawn that is made up of mosses and other low-growing plants.

What Does Rock Cap Moss Feed On?

Rock cap moss is a photosynthetic plant, meaning it produces its own food. A photosynthetic plant uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into food and uses the water it absorbs through its tiny roots to transport the carbon dioxide from the soil to the leaves.

How To Care Of Rock Cap Moss

Caring for rock cap moss is relatively easy. As long as you plant it in shady areas with moist conditions, it should do well. Be sure to water the plant regularly and keep the area around it free of debris.

Pruning is not necessary but if you want to, you can do so in late winter or early spring. Simply remove any dead or dying leaves from the plant.

Fertilization

No, it does not need to be fertilized. This evergreen plant is able to obtain the nutrients it needs from the air and water.

However, you can fertilize if you want to encourage growth. Use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content to avoid burning the plant.

Can I Use Rock Cap Moss As A Mulch Or Compost?

Yes, rock cap moss can be used as a mulch. The plant will help to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

This moss can also be used in combination with compost. The plant will help to retain moisture in the compost and break down organic matter.

Propagation

Propagating rock cap moss is simple and can be done by division or by spores. You can also do it by division. Simply dig up the plant, divide it into smaller pieces, and replant in the desired location.

Propagation by spores can be achieved as follow. Collect the spores from the plant in late summer or early autumn. Sow the spores on a moist, shady area of your garden (that can be bared soil or an exposed rock) and keep the area moist. The spores will germinate in spring.

Be aware that is a slow-growing plant, so be patient when propagating by spores.

Instructions For Transplanting

Transplanting is relatively easy. Simply dig up the plant, replant in the desired location, and water well.

Be sure to choose a spot that gets dappled sunlight or filtered light. Avoid transplanting in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

Pests And Diseases

This moss is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot if the leaves are kept too wet. Be sure to treat promptly if you notice any pests or diseases on your mosses.

Rate Of Spreading

Rock cap moss is a slow-growing plant and grows best in planting zones 4-8. It will spread slowly over time, but will not become invasive.

Harvesting

Rock cap moss can be harvested at any time of the year. Simply cut a piece of the plant from the ground and replant in the desired location.

Water the plant well and keep the roots moist with rainwater or with distilled water. Be sure to wear gloves while you harvest the plant and wear long sleeves to protect your skin from the plant’s sharp leaves.

Do You Need A License To Harvest?

No, you do not need a license for harvesting. However, be sure to check with your local authorities to make sure that it is not protected in your area.

Preservation

If you want to preserve this moss, you can do so by drying or pressing the plant. To dry rock cap moss, simply place the plant in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry. Once the plant is dry, store it in a cool, dark place.

Pressing can be achieved by placing the plant between two pieces of paper and press with a heavy object like a book or stone. Once the plant is pressed, store it in a dark, cool place for a few weeks.

Is It Possible To Grow Rock Cap Moss Inside?

Yes, it is possible to grow it inside like most moss species. However, be aware that it prefers cool, moist conditions and may not thrive in a warm, dry environment. Be sure to choose a spot that is out of the sun. Keep the area around the plant moist and water the plant regularly with filtered water.

Is Rock Cap Moss Edible?

No, it is not edible. The plant contains small, sharp leaves that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

What Animals Eat Rock Cap Moss?

Deer, rabbits, and other small mammals may eat rock cap moss. However, the plant is not a preferred food source for these animals.

Is Rock Cap Moss Poisonous?

No, rock cap moss is not poisonous. However, the plant contains small, sharp leaves that can irritate mucous membranes and the skin. It can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested like mentioned before.

Will Preserved Rock Cap Moss Grow?

No, preserved moss will not grow. The plant must be alive to propagate.

Can I Use Rock Cap Moss For Orchids?

Yes, this moss can be used for orchids. It is often used as a potting medium for orchids because it retains moisture and provides aeration.

Why Buy Rock Cap Moss

Rock cap moss is a common plant that thrives in moist and the shade. The scientific name is “Polytrichum Commune” and can be found growing on trees, rocks, and riverbanks. It is a slow-growing moss and therefore it will spread slowly over time.

This low maintenance moss grows well in planting zones 4-8 as long as you plant it in areas with partial or full shade. Make sure to avoid areas with afternoon sunlight and heavy food traffic.

This plant can be harvested at any time and is often used as a ground cover in gardens.

While it is not poisonous, it is not edible. It contains small, sharp leaves that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested.

Please get in touch with us if you want to learn more about mosses or if you want to receive helpful gardening tips!