Scandinavian Tree Moss Plant Care
Orthotrichum scanicum Gronvall
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its distinctive spiky appearance, Orthotrichum scanicum is a moss species native to Scandinavia. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique texture and striking green color, making it a prized addition to any moss collection.
Every 3–7 days
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Water Scandinavian Tree Moss every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, avoid direct sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Scandinavian Tree Moss Native To?
What Is the Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Scandinavian Tree Moss (Orthotrichum scanicum) belongs to the Orthotrichaceae family within the Orthotrichum genus. Scandinavian Tree Moss is native to Austria, the Czech Republic, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Sweden, and Switzerland. Scandinavian Tree Moss is also known as Scanic Orthotrichum.
Scandinavian Tree Moss displays a mat-forming, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Scandinavian Tree Moss produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Orthotrichum scanicum 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 Scandinavian Tree Moss Need?
Scandinavian Tree Moss thrives in filtered light, avoid direct sun.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scandinavian Tree Moss Prefer?
Orthotrichum scanicum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Scandinavian Tree 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 Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Scandinavian Tree Moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Feed Scandinavian Tree Moss 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 Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Scandinavian Tree Moss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to orthotrichum casasianum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scandinavian Tree Moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scandinavian Tree 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 Scandinavian Tree Moss?
Scandinavian Tree Moss is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Scandinavian Tree Moss Need?
Scandinavian Tree Moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Scandinavian Tree Moss is native to Austria, the Czech Republic, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Sweden, and Switzerland. In cooler regions, grow Scandinavian Tree Moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Scandinavian Tree 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 Orthotrichum genus — compare its care with other Orthotrichum species on PlantoScan.
Orthotrichum is part of the Orthotrichaceae plant family — browse all Orthotrichaceae genera and species.
Scandinavian Tree Moss 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: Orthotrichum scanicum Gronvall, family Orthotrichaceae (first published in Bidr. Känned. Nord. Orthotrichum & Ulota 13 1885) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scandinavian Tree 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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