Apple-moss Plant Care
Bartramia pomiformis Hedw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bartramia pomiformis, the common apple-moss, is a species of moss in the Bartramiaceae family. It is typically green or glaucous in hue, although sometimes it can appear yellowish.
Every 2–3 days
Indirect light
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Apple-moss?
Water Apple-moss every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Apple-moss?
Apple-moss (Bartramia pomiformis) belongs to the Bartramiaceae family within the Bartramia genus.
Apple-moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Apple-moss produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Apple-moss?
Bartramia pomiformis requires watering every 2–3 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Apple-moss Need?
Apple-moss thrives in indirect light. Avoid placing Apple-moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Apple-moss Prefer?
Bartramia pomiformis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Apple-moss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Apple-moss?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Apple-moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Apple-moss?
Feed Apple-moss every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Apple-moss?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Apple-moss?
Apple-moss can be propagated through spores.
Is the Apple-moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Apple-moss, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Apple-moss?
Apple-moss is susceptible to mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Apple-moss Need?
Apple-moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Apple-moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Apple-moss is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bartramia genus — compare its care with other Bartramia species on PlantoScan.
Bartramia is part of the Bartramiaceae plant family — browse all Bartramiaceae genera and species.
Apple-moss thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bartramia pomiformis Hedw., family Bartramiaceae (first published in Sp. Musc. Frond. 164 1801) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Apple-moss, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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