Racomitrium canescens

Hoary Fringe-moss, Silver Moss, Grey Fringe-moss

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic1–5 cm

A drought-tolerant moss with a wide distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. It forms low, silvery-green cushions and mats on sandy soils, gravel, and calcareous grassland. White-tipped leaf awns give it a frosted, hoary appearance when dry. It handles desiccation and poor soils well, making it one of the better mosses for open terrariums, rock gardens, and dry landscape setups. Now reclassified as Niphotrichum canescens.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Hoary Fringe-moss image

Photo by Michel Langeveld·CC BY 4.0

Care

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Medium (40–60%)(preferred)Low (30–40%)High (60–80%)

Temperature

-10°C15°C40°C
-5°C – 25°C

Soil

Sandy(preferred)RockyWell draining

Moisture

Dry(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingCreeping

Leaf shape

Lance

Leaf texture

Rough

Distribution

Propagation

Separate clumps and press onto well-drained sandy or gravelly substrate. Keep lightly moist with good airflow until established.

References

  1. 1

    GBIF — Niphotrichum canescens (Hedw.) Bedn.-Ochyra & Ochyra

    https://www.gbif.org/species/7572691
  2. 2

    World Flora Online — Racomitrium canescens (Hedw.) Brid.

    https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001172006
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6