Alpine Haircap Moss Plant Care
Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Polytrichastrum alpinum, also known as Alpine haircap, is a species of moss from the family Polytrichaceae. It is widely distributed and may be found growing among other moss species.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Haircap Moss?
Water Alpine Haircap Moss every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity.
What Is the Alpine Haircap Moss?
Alpine Haircap Moss (Polytrichastrum alpinum) belongs to the Polytrichaceae family within the Polytrichastrum genus.
Alpine Haircap Moss displays a low rosette, spreading mat growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Alpine Haircap Moss produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Haircap Moss?
Polytrichastrum alpinum requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alpine Haircap Moss Need?
Alpine Haircap Moss thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Alpine Haircap Moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alpine Haircap Moss Prefer?
Polytrichastrum alpinum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Alpine Haircap 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 Alpine Haircap Moss?
Well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Haircap Moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Haircap Moss?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Alpine Haircap Moss?
Alpine Haircap Moss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to great haircap moss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alpine Haircap Moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alpine Haircap 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 Alpine Haircap Moss?
Alpine Haircap 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 Alpine Haircap Moss Need?
Alpine Haircap Moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Alpine Haircap Moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Alpine Haircap 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 Polytrichastrum genus — compare its care with other Polytrichastrum species on PlantoScan.
Polytrichastrum is part of the Polytrichaceae plant family — browse all Polytrichaceae genera and species.
Alpine Haircap 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: Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L.Sm., family Polytrichaceae (first published in Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 21(3): 37 1971) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alpine Haircap 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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