Plagiomnium cuspidatum
Baby Tooth Moss, Toothed Plagiomnium Moss, Woodsy Thyme-moss
A small moss with translucent, broadly oval leaves arranged in whorls on short upright stems, connected by long creeping stolons that trail across the substrate. The sharply toothed leaf margins give it its common name. It is acrocarpous, meaning it produces its spore capsules at the tips of upright stems rather than along side branches. Native to North America and widespread across Europe and Asia, it does best in shady, moist conditions and creates a convincing forest-floor layer in closed terrariums.

Care
Prefers high humidity, low light, with 5–24 °C, and reaches 4 cm at maturity.
Light
Humidity
Temperature
Soil
Moisture
Soil pH
Propagation
Native range
Native to Northern Europe, Middle Europe, Southwestern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, West Tropical Africa, East Tropical Africa, Siberia, Russian Far East, Caucasus, Western Asia, China, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Subarctic America, Western Canada, Eastern Canada, Northwestern U.S.A., North-Central U.S.A., Northeastern U.S.A., Southwestern U.S.A., South-Central U.S.A., Southeastern U.S.A., Mexico, and Central America.
Appearance
Growth habit
Leaf shape
Leaf texture
Frequently asked
Can Baby Tooth Moss grow in a closed terrarium?
Yes. Baby Tooth Moss prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.
Does Baby Tooth Moss need drainage?
Baby Tooth Moss prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.
What humidity does Baby Tooth Moss need?
Baby Tooth Moss does best in high (60–80%) humidity.
Is Baby Tooth Moss pet-safe?
Baby Tooth Moss is considered non-toxic to common household pets.
How tall does Baby Tooth Moss grow?
Baby Tooth Moss typically reaches 1–4 cm at maturity.
How do you propagate Baby Tooth Moss?
Baby Tooth Moss can be propagated by division.
References
- 1
Wikipedia - Plagiomnium cuspidatum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiomnium_cuspidatum - 2
Flora of North America
http://beta.floranorthamerica.org/Plagiomnium_cuspidatum - 3
Illinois Wildflowers
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/mosses/plants/bt_moss.html - 4
British Bryological Society
https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/plagiomnium-cuspidatum/ - 5
The Bio Dude - Plagiomnium Moss Care Sheet
https://www.thebiodude.com/blogs/live-plants-mosses-and-growing-guides/plagiomnium-moss-care-sheet - 6
Terrarium Creations - Care Guide
https://terrariumcreations.com/plagiomnium-cuspidatum-moss-in-terrariums-care-guide-to-help-your-moss-thrive/ - 7
- 8
Ohio Moss and Lichen Association
https://ohiomosslichen.org/moss-plagiomnium-cuspidatum/ - 9
Montana Field Guide
https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=NBMUS81050