Thamnobryum subseriatum

Tree Moss

Moderate careLithophyteNon-toxic38 cm

A temperate moss native to shaded streamsides and rock faces in Japan, China, and the Russian Far East, where it thrives in the spray zones of waterfalls and damp, deeply shaded woodland. It takes a distinctive dendroid form — a bare dark stem topped by a bushy crown of branching shoots — which gives it a tree-like silhouette unlike most flat-growing mosses. It does best in cool, high-humidity setups such as temperate closed terrariums or paludariums, where steady moisture and low light replicate its riparian habitat. The species attaches via rhizomes directly to rock or bark, making it well suited to hardscape-focused layouts.

Build a terrarium with this plant

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with -5–28 °C, and reaches 8 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)

Humidity

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

Temperature

-10°C15°C40°C
-5°C28°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Rocky

Moisture

Moist(preferred)Wet

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Propagation

Divide healthy clumps into 2–3 cm segments and press onto moist substrate, or attach directly to rock or bark with fine thread or gel. Keep humidity high while the fragments establish. New shoots emerge from rhizomes within a few weeks under good conditions.

Native range

Native to Russian Far East, China, and Eastern Asia.

Appearance

Growth habit

UprightClumping

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

FeatheryFine

Frequently asked

Can Tree Moss grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does Tree Moss need drainage?

Tree Moss prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Tree Moss need?

Tree Moss does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Tree Moss pet-safe?

Tree Moss is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Tree Moss grow?

Tree Moss typically reaches 3–8 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Tree Moss?

Tree Moss can be propagated by division.