Woolly Fringe-moss Plant Care
Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Racomitrium lanuginosum is a widespread species of moss found in montane and arctic tundra, the genus Racomitrium is found across the Northern and Southern hemispheres., however Racomitrium lanuginosum is only found in the Northern hemisphere. It grows as large mats on exposed rock and in boulder scree, particularly on acidic rocks.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Woolly Fringe-moss?
Water Woolly Fringe-moss every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity.
What Is the Woolly Fringe-moss?
Woolly Fringe-moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum) belongs to the Grimmiaceae family within the Racomitrium genus. Woolly Fringe-moss is native to montane and arctic tundra, the genus Racomitrium is found across the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Woolly Fringe-moss is also known as Hairystem Moss.
Woolly Fringe-moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Woolly Fringe-moss produces small inconspicuous flowers, mainly grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Woolly Fringe-moss?
Racomitrium lanuginosum 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 Woolly Fringe-moss Need?
Woolly Fringe-moss thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Woolly Fringe-moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Woolly Fringe-moss Prefer?
Racomitrium lanuginosum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Woolly Fringe-moss 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 Woolly Fringe-moss?
Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Woolly Fringe-moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Woolly Fringe-moss?
Rarely requires repotting, only if outgrowing its space. 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 Woolly Fringe-moss?
Woolly Fringe-moss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to racomitrium pruinosum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Woolly Fringe-moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Woolly Fringe-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 Woolly Fringe-moss?
Woolly Fringe-moss is susceptible to occasional issues with spider mites, scale insects. 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 Woolly Fringe-moss Need?
Woolly Fringe-moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Woolly Fringe-moss is native to montane and arctic tundra, the genus Racomitrium is found across the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In cooler regions, grow Woolly Fringe-moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Woolly Fringe-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 Racomitrium genus — compare its care with other Racomitrium species on PlantoScan.
Racomitrium is part of the Grimmiaceae plant family — browse all Grimmiaceae genera and species.
Woolly Fringe-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: Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid., family Grimmiaceae (first published in Muscol. Recent. Suppl. 4: 79 1819) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Woolly Fringe-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 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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