Photo: Zihao WangCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Broom Forkmoss Plant Care
Dicranum scoparium Hedw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dicranum scoparium, also known as broom moss, is a distinctive plant known for its upright growth habit and feathery, fern-like leaves. It is commonly found in damp woodlands and along the edges of streams in North America.
Every 2–4 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Broom Forkmoss?
Water Broom Forkmoss every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. 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 Broom Forkmoss Native To?
What Is the Broom Forkmoss?
Broom Forkmoss (Dicranum scoparium) belongs to the Dicranaceae family within the Dicranum genus. Broom Forkmoss is native to most of the northern hemisphere as well as Oceania. Broom Forkmoss is also known as Wavy Forkmoss.
Broom Forkmoss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Broom Forkmoss produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Broom Forkmoss?
Dicranum scoparium requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Broom Forkmoss Need?
Broom Forkmoss thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Broom Forkmoss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broom Forkmoss Prefer?
Dicranum scoparium grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Broom Forkmoss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Broom Forkmoss?
Well-draining sandy soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Broom Forkmoss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Broom Forkmoss?
Feed Broom Forkmoss 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 Broom Forkmoss?
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 Broom Forkmoss?
Broom Forkmoss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dicranum bicolor plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Broom Forkmoss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Broom Forkmoss, 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 Broom Forkmoss?
Broom Forkmoss is susceptible to occasional issues with mites and 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Broom Forkmoss Need?
Broom Forkmoss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Broom Forkmoss is native to most of the northern hemisphere as well as Oceania.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Broom Forkmoss 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 Dicranum genus — compare its care with other Dicranum species on PlantoScan.
Dicranum is part of the Dicranaceae plant family — browse all Dicranaceae genera and species.
Broom Forkmoss copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Dicranum Species
Other Dicranum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dicranum scoparium Hedw., family Dicranaceae (first published in Sp. Musc. Frond. 126 1801) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broom Forkmoss, 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: Zihao Wang, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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