Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Square goose neck moss Plant Care
Conostomum tetragonum (Hedw.) Lindb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This moss species is characterized by its unique square-shaped stems, making it easily recognizable in its native habitat of North America and Europe. Plant collectors are drawn to Conostomum tetragonum for its dense growth habit and beautiful green color, making it a sought-after addition to their collections.
Every 3–5 days
Low to medium indirect light
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Square goose neck moss?
Water Square goose neck 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 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Square goose neck moss Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Square goose neck moss?
Square goose neck moss (Conostomum tetragonum) belongs to the Bartramiaceae family within the Conostomum genus. Square goose neck moss is native to Europe.
Square goose neck moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Square goose neck moss produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Square goose neck moss?
Conostomum tetragonum 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 Square goose neck moss Need?
Square goose neck moss thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Square goose neck moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Square goose neck moss Prefer?
Conostomum tetragonum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Square goose neck moss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Square goose neck moss?
Moist, acidic soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Square goose neck moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Square goose neck moss?
Feed Square goose neck 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 Square goose neck moss?
Rarely requires repotting. 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 Square goose neck moss?
Square goose neck moss can be propagated through spores, division.
Is the Square goose neck moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Square goose neck 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 Square goose neck moss?
Square goose neck moss is susceptible to moss mites, springtails. 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 Square goose neck moss Need?
Square goose neck moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Square goose neck moss is native to Europe. In cooler regions, grow Square goose neck moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Square goose neck 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 Conostomum genus — compare its care with other Conostomum species on PlantoScan.
Conostomum is part of the Bartramiaceae plant family — browse all Bartramiaceae genera and species.
Square goose neck 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: Conostomum tetragonum (Hedw.) Lindb., family Bartramiaceae (first published in Öfvers. Förh. Kongl. Svenska Vetensk.-Akad. 20: 392 1863) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Square goose neck 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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