Photo: naturalist charlieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Splendid feathermoss Plant Care
Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking feathery foliage in shades of green and gold is a standout feature. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, it thrives in moist, shady environments. Plant collectors adore Hylocomium splendens for its delicate appearance and ability to create a lush carpet-like ground cover in gardens.
Every 3–7 days
Shade to partial shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Splendid feathermoss?
Water Splendid feathermoss every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it shade to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Splendid feathermoss Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- 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
- United States
What Is the Splendid feathermoss?
Splendid feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens) belongs to the Hylocomiaceae family within the Hylocomium genus. Splendid feathermoss is native to Europe, Russia, Alaska and Canada. Splendid feathermoss is also known as Delicate moss, Elegant feathermoss.
Splendid feathermoss displays a low mat-forming groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Splendid feathermoss produces small inconspicuous flowers, primarily grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Splendid feathermoss?
Hylocomium splendens requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Splendid feathermoss Need?
Splendid feathermoss thrives in shade to partial shade. Avoid placing Splendid feathermoss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Splendid feathermoss Prefer?
Hylocomium splendens grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Splendid feathermoss prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Splendid feathermoss?
Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Splendid feathermoss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Splendid feathermoss?
Feed Splendid feathermoss 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 Splendid feathermoss?
Rarely requires repotting, prefers undisturbed growth. 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 Splendid feathermoss?
Splendid feathermoss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps.
Is the Splendid feathermoss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Splendid feathermoss, 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 Splendid feathermoss?
Splendid feathermoss 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 Splendid feathermoss Need?
Splendid feathermoss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Splendid feathermoss is native to Europe, Russia, Alaska and Canada. In cooler regions, grow Splendid feathermoss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Splendid feathermoss 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 Hylocomium genus — compare its care with other Hylocomium species on PlantoScan.
Hylocomium is part of the Hylocomiaceae plant family — browse all Hylocomiaceae genera and species.
Splendid feathermoss 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: Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp., family Hylocomiaceae (first published in Bryol. Eur. 5: 173 (fasc. 49–51. Monogr. 5) 1852) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Splendid feathermoss, 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: naturalist charlie, CC BY 4.0, 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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