Ditrichum cornubicum Plant Care
Ditrichum cornubicum Paton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ditrichum cornubicum, commonly known as the Cornish path-moss, is a moss endemic to Cornwall, United Kingdom. First discovered in 1963, on a roadside west of Lanner, Cornwall by Jean Paton, it has since been found in two other places within Cornwall.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Ditrichum cornubicum?
Plant Ditrichum cornubicum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ditrichum cornubicum?
Ditrichum cornubicum (Ditrichum cornubicum) belongs to the Ditrichaceae family within the Ditrichum genus. Ditrichum cornubicum is native to two other places within Cornwall.
Ditrichum cornubicum displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ditrichum cornubicum produces small daisy-like flowers in white or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Water a young or newly planted Ditrichum cornubicum every 7–10 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Ditrichum cornubicum Need?
Ditrichum cornubicum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ditrichum cornubicum Prefer?
Ditrichum cornubicum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Ditrichum cornubicum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ditrichum cornubicum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Feed Ditrichum cornubicum every 6 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Ditrichum cornubicum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Ditrichum cornubicum 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.
How Do You Prune a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Prune Ditrichum cornubicum 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.
How Do You Care for a Ditrichum cornubicum in Winter?
Ditrichum cornubicum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Ditrichum cornubicum?
Ditrichum cornubicum can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ditrichum plumbicola plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ditrichum cornubicum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ditrichum cornubicum, 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 Ditrichum cornubicum?
Ditrichum cornubicum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Ditrichum cornubicum Need?
Ditrichum cornubicum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ditrichum cornubicum is native to two other places within Cornwall. In cooler regions, grow Ditrichum cornubicum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ditrichum cornubicum 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 Ditrichum genus — compare its care with other Ditrichum species on PlantoScan.
Ditrichum is part of the Ditrichaceae plant family — browse all Ditrichaceae genera and species.
Ditrichum cornubicum 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: Ditrichum cornubicum Paton, family Ditrichaceae (first published in J. Bryol. 9: 171. f. 1 1976) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ditrichum cornubicum, 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.
