Sphagnum Moss for Terrariums (Sphagnum spp.)

Name: Sphagnum Moss for Terrariums (Sphagnum spp.)
SKU: TM-SPH
Availability: OutOfStock

Price range: $6.95 through $26.95

Terrarium-grade, live Sphagnum moss to create consistently moist, humid environments.

Sphagnum grows naturally in very wet and humid conditions and should not be confused with peat moss. Peat is the composted version of the plant, and this is the live plant that grows on top of it. Sphagnum is known to hold extraordinary amounts of water (up to 20 times its weight) and is an excellent choice for creating a wetland, bog, or riparian microhabitat.

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name: Sphagnum spp.

Common Names: Live Sphagnum Moss, Bog Moss, Peat Moss (living form)

Growth Form: This is an acrocarpous moss that grows with upright, branched shoots and forms dense cushions. The new tips keep growing while the older material below decays and turns into peat.

Coloration: Bright green to yellow-green under good light with moisture. It can turn bronze under stronger light or when it gets a bit dry.

Texture: It has a soft, spongy, and water-holding texture, and it has a star-like look from overlapping branch tips.

Size

Clear

Keep planning: Live moss for terrariums · The terrarium guide

Cultivation (terrarium parameters)

Light: It prefers bright, indirect light and doesn’t like direct sunlight.
Humidity: Sphagnum moss thrives in 80–100% humidity.
Temperature: It will do well at normal indoor conditions (60–77 °F / 15–25 °C). Prevent freezing.
Substrate: It needs a moist, acidic base such as peat-based mix, or fine bark with peat, or existing Sphagnum. Provide drainage and prevent stagnant water.
Watering: Keep it evenly moist with clean water and do not let it dry out.
Airflow: A good airflow is necessary, but prevent it from drying out.
Growth Rate / Height: It has a moderate vertical growth and can grow 1–4 inches tall indoors.

Planting and Handling

Make sure that you unpack the Sphagnum moss after arrival, and keep it cool and shaded if planting is delayed. Mist lightly if it feels dry.
Lay the clumps on a damp substrate and press gently to make sure there is enough contact.
Keep a steady humidity and mist it regularly for several weeks until there is new growth.

Use Cases

Great for high-humidity terrariums and paludariums with tropical plants and amphibians.
Great for bog or swamp microhabitats
It can be used for rooting cuttings and air layering for propagation
Useful as a moisture-retentive accent around water features.