Orthotrichaceae
Orthotrichum lyellii
Orthotrichum lyellii
Native Plants · Moss · Orthotrichaceae · Epiphytic · Terrarium · Vivarium · Shade Loving · Humid · Bryophyte · Woodland · Specialty Plant
Orthotrichum lyellii, commonly known as Lyell's bristle-moss, is an epiphytic moss that grows on tree bark in humid, shaded woodlands. It thrives in consistently moist, low-light conditions and is best maintained by regular misting or placement in a naturally humid environment. This specialist plant is ideal for terrarium or vivarium setups where moisture and shade can be carefully controlled.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 3 hours
- Watering
- Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged; misting is beneficial · Every 5-7 days or mist regularly
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 4.5–6.5
- Temperature
- 0°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 2 ft – 5 ft
- Spread
- 3 ft
- Spacing
- 4 in apart
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
Sources: trefle
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