Thamnobryum subseriatum
Tree Moss
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.
Care
Prefers high humidity, low light, with -5–28 °C, and reaches 8 cm at maturity.
Light
Humidity
Temperature
Soil
Moisture
Soil pH
Propagation
Native range
Native to Russian Far East, China, and Eastern Asia.
Appearance
Growth habit
Leaf shape
Leaf texture
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.
References
- 1
Natural History Museum London — Type Specimen
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/thamnobryum-subseriatum-mitt-ex-sande-lac-b-c-tan/lAH1Kfl7iG6dCA - 2
The genus Thamnobryum in Russia (ResearchGate)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313388189_The_genus_thamnobryum_Neckeraceae_bryophyta_in_Russia - 3
- 4
British Bryological Society — Thamnobryum alopecurum
https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/thamnobryum-alopecurum/ - 5
Learning About Mosses — Thamnobryum alopecurum
https://learningaboutmosses.wordpress.com/2019/10/09/thamnobryum-alopecurum/ - 6
Moss Wholesale — Tree Moss (Thamnobryum alopecurum)
https://moss-wholesale.com/products/tree-moss-terrarium-moss-thamnobryum-alopecurum-moss-with-phytosanitary-certification-and-passport-grown-by-moss-supplier - 7
West Glamorgan Flora — Thamnobryum alopecurum
https://www.westglamorganflora.org.uk/bryophytes/thamnobryum-alopecurum/