Madeiran Sword-moss Plant Care

Madeiran Sword-moss (Bryoxiphium madeirense) belongs to the Bryoxiphiaceae family within the Bryoxiphium genus. Madeiran Sword-moss is native to the Island of Madeira in the North Atlantic, part of Portugal.

Madeiran Sword-moss displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Madeiran Sword-moss produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Madeiran Sword-moss every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Madeiran Sword-moss thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Madeiran Sword-moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Bryoxiphium madeirense tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Madeiran Sword-moss prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Madeiran Sword-moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Madeiran Sword-moss every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Madeiran Sword-moss is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Madeiran Sword-moss can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Madeiran Sword-moss while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Madeiran Sword-moss is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Madeiran Sword-moss can be propagated through division, spores.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Madeiran Sword-moss is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. 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.

Madeiran Sword-moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Madeiran Sword-moss is native to the Island of Madeira in the North Atlantic, part of Portugal. In cooler regions, grow Madeiran Sword-moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.