Plagiomnium vesicatum

oba-chochin-goke

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic13 cm

A mat-forming moss from temperate East Asia, Plagiomnium vesicatum grows naturally along stream banks and waterfall margins in Japan, Korea, and China — and is sometimes found growing directly in shallow water. Its broadly elliptic leaves curl tightly when dry and flatten out when moist, making them a reliable indicator of the terrarium's hydration level. It spreads as a dense, low carpet in shaded conditions and does well in the enclosed, high-humidity environment of a closed terrarium.

Build a terrarium with this plant

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 5–26 °C, and reaches 3 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

0°C20°C40°C
5°C26°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Peat mossMoisture retentive

Moisture

Moist(preferred)Wet

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Propagation

Divide an established mat into smaller sections and press them firmly onto moist substrate. New growth emerges from the cut edges within a few weeks.

Native range

Native to China and Eastern Asia.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

OvalToothed

Leaf texture

Smooth

Frequently asked

Can oba-chochin-goke grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. oba-chochin-goke prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does oba-chochin-goke need drainage?

oba-chochin-goke prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does oba-chochin-goke need?

oba-chochin-goke does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is oba-chochin-goke pet-safe?

oba-chochin-goke is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does oba-chochin-goke grow?

oba-chochin-goke typically reaches 1–3 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate oba-chochin-goke?

oba-chochin-goke can be propagated by division.

References

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    GBIF API — Plagiomnium vesicatum occurrence data (taxonKey 8031635)

    https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?taxonKey=8031635
  4. 4
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    Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society — Moss mimesis (Plagiomnium vesicatum as cranefly host, Japan)

    https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article/193/4/1156/6048384
  6. 6

    Greg.app — Toothed Plagiomnium Moss Temperature

    https://greg.app/toothed-plagiomnium-moss-temperature/
  7. 7

    Greg.app — Plagiomnium Hardiness Zones

    https://greg.app/toothed-plagiomnium-moss-hardiness-zone/