Gymnostomum boreale Plant Care
Gymnostomum boreale Nyholm & Hedenäs
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hymenostylium gracillimum is a species of moss in the family Pottiaceae. It is an endangered species found in Austria and Russia.
Every 3–5 days
Low to medium light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Gymnostomum boreale?
Water Gymnostomum boreale every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Gymnostomum boreale?
Gymnostomum boreale (Gymnostomum boreale) belongs to the Pottiaceae family within the Gymnostomum genus. Gymnostomum boreale is native to Austria and Russia.
Gymnostomum boreale displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Gymnostomum boreale produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gymnostomum boreale?
Gymnostomum boreale 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 Gymnostomum boreale Need?
Gymnostomum boreale thrives in low to medium light. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Gymnostomum boreale in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium light
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gymnostomum boreale Prefer?
Gymnostomum boreale grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Gymnostomum boreale 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 Gymnostomum boreale?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Gymnostomum boreale to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gymnostomum boreale?
Feed Gymnostomum boreale every 8 months 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 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Gymnostomum boreale?
Not applicable, grows naturally in soil. 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 Gymnostomum boreale?
Gymnostomum boreale can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calcareous slime-moss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gymnostomum boreale Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gymnostomum boreale, 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 Gymnostomum boreale?
Gymnostomum boreale is susceptible to generally pest-resistant. 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 Gymnostomum boreale Need?
Gymnostomum boreale grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Gymnostomum boreale is native to Austria and Russia. In cooler regions, grow Gymnostomum boreale as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Gymnostomum boreale 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 Gymnostomum genus — compare its care with other Gymnostomum species on PlantoScan.
Gymnostomum is part of the Pottiaceae plant family — browse all Pottiaceae genera and species.
Gymnostomum boreale 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: Gymnostomum boreale Nyholm & Hedenäs, family Pottiaceae (first published in Lindbergia 12: 41. f. 1 1986) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gymnostomum boreale, 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.
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