Water thread moss Plant Care

Conomitrium hydropogon (Spruce ex Mitt.) Paris

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This unique plant features delicate, bright green leaves that resemble tiny stars, creating a striking appearance. Originating from tropical regions in Asia, Conomitrium hydropogon is highly coveted by plant collectors for its unusual aesthetic and rarity in cultivation. With its intricate foliage and exotic origins, this plant is sure to add a touch of intrigue to any collection.

Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Low to medium indirect light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Water thread moss?

Water Water thread moss every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Water thread moss Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Water thread moss?

Water thread moss (Conomitrium hydropogon) belongs to the Fissidentaceae family within the Conomitrium genus. Water thread moss is native to Ecuador. Water thread moss is also known as Conomitrium moss.

Water thread moss displays a low mat-forming ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Water thread moss produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Water thread moss?

Conomitrium hydropogon requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Water thread moss Need?

Water thread moss thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 50–250 lux. Avoid placing Water thread moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Low to medium indirect light

50–250 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water thread moss Prefer?

Conomitrium hydropogon grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Water thread moss prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water thread moss?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Water thread moss?

Feed Water thread moss every month 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 month

During the growing season

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

How Do You Repot a Water thread 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 Water thread moss?

Water thread moss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps.

Is the Water thread moss Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Water thread 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 Water thread moss?

Water thread moss is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Water thread moss Need?

Water thread moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Water thread moss is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Water thread moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Water thread 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 Conomitrium genus — compare its care with other Conomitrium species on PlantoScan.

Conomitrium is part of the Fissidentaceae plant family — browse all Fissidentaceae genera and species.

Water thread moss copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Conomitrium hydropogon (Spruce ex Mitt.) Paris, family Fissidentaceae (first published in Index Bryol. 280 1894) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water thread 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 13a, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Water thread moss Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species