Polytrichaceae
Polytrichum piliferum
Polytrichum piliferum
Zones 4–9Sun Partial ShadeWater HighCare Moderate
Indoor Plants · Moss · Haircap Moss · Polytrichum · Terrarium · Ground Cover · Cool Climate · Shade Moss · Non-Vascular · Rock Garden · Substrate
Pet-safeIndoor
Currently out of stock everywhereStock updated 9/6/2026
Bristly haircap moss is a low-growing, drought-sensitive moss that prefers cool, humid environments with bright indirect light or partial shade. Use acidic, low-nutrient substrate and water with rainwater or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup. It is an excellent choice for terrariums, fairy gardens, or naturalistic rock garden displays.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 3 hours
- Watering
- Mist thoroughly or water gently to keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged · Every 3-5 days or maintain consistent moisture
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
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Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Spacing
- 4 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Flowers
- No
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
Sources: trefle
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