Calcareous Slime-moss Plant Care
Gymnostomum calcareum Nees & Hornsch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gymnostomum calcareum is a species of moss belonging to the family Pottiaceae.
Every 3–5 days
Low to medium light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Calcareous Slime-moss?
Water Calcareous Slime-moss 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 Calcareous Slime-moss?
Calcareous Slime-moss (Gymnostomum calcareum) belongs to the Pottiaceae family within the Gymnostomum genus.
Calcareous Slime-moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Calcareous Slime-moss produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Calcareous Slime-moss?
Gymnostomum calcareum 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 Calcareous Slime-moss Need?
Calcareous Slime-moss thrives in low to medium light. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Calcareous Slime-moss 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 Calcareous Slime-moss Prefer?
Gymnostomum calcareum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Calcareous Slime-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 Calcareous Slime-moss?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Calcareous Slime-moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Calcareous Slime-moss?
Feed Calcareous Slime-moss 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 Calcareous Slime-moss?
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 Calcareous Slime-moss?
Calcareous Slime-moss can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gymnostomum boreale plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Calcareous Slime-moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Calcareous Slime-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 Calcareous Slime-moss?
Calcareous Slime-moss 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 Calcareous Slime-moss Need?
Calcareous Slime-moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Calcareous Slime-moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Calcareous Slime-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 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.
Calcareous Slime-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: Gymnostomum calcareum Nees & Hornsch., family Pottiaceae (first published in Bryol. Germ. 1: 153. pl. 10 f. 15 1823) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Calcareous Slime-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.
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