Polytrichum formosum
Bank Haircap Moss, Bank Haircap, Common Haircap Moss, Beautiful Haircap
A tall moss forming loose tufts of dark green, upright stems on the forest floor. One of the largest mosses in temperate forests, its stiff, lance-shaped leaves give it the look of a miniature conifer. It does best in shaded, humid conditions on acidic, humus-rich soil. In closed terrariums it adds visible height and structure among lower-growing species.
Care
Prefers high humidity, low light, with 5–25 °C, and reaches 20 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, Macaronesia, Siberia, Russian Far East, Caucasus, Western Asia, China, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Western Canada, Eastern Canada, Northwestern U.S.A., North-Central U.S.A., Northeastern U.S.A., Southwestern U.S.A., and Southeastern U.S.A..
Appearance
Growth habit
Leaf shape
Leaf texture
Frequently asked
Can Bank Haircap Moss grow in a closed terrarium?
Yes. Bank Haircap Moss prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.
Does Bank Haircap Moss need drainage?
Bank Haircap Moss prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.
What humidity does Bank Haircap Moss need?
Bank Haircap Moss does best in high (60–80%) humidity.
Is Bank Haircap Moss pet-safe?
Bank Haircap Moss is considered non-toxic to common household pets.
How tall does Bank Haircap Moss grow?
Bank Haircap Moss typically reaches 3–20 cm at maturity.
How do you propagate Bank Haircap Moss?
Bank Haircap Moss can be propagated by division or spores.
References
- 1
Flora of North America — Polytrichastrum formosum
http://floranorthamerica.org/Polytrichastrum_formosum - 2
GBIF — Polytrichum formosum Hedw.
https://www.gbif.org/species/4280088 - 3
British Bryological Society — Species Finder
https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/polytrichum-formosum/ - 4
World Flora Online — Polytrichum formosum
https://wfoplantlist.org/taxon/wfo-0001170068-2024-12 - 5
Terrarium Tribe — Haircap Moss Care Guide
https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-plants/haircap-moss-polytrichum-commune/ - 6
Greg App — Polytrichum formosum Plant Care
https://greg.app/plant-care/polytrichum-formosum