Scotch Moss Plant Care
Sagina subulata C.Presl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sagina subulata, also known as heath pearlwort or awl-leaf pearlwort, is a species of flowering plant in the pink and carnation family Caryophyllaceae. It is sometimes (incorrectly) referred to as Irish or Scottish moss, despite not being closely related to mosses.
Every 2–3 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scotch Moss?
Water Scotch Moss every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity.
Where Is the Scotch Moss Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- 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
What Is the Scotch Moss?
Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Sagina genus. Scotch Moss is native to Europe, from Iceland south to Spain, and east to southern Sweden and Romania. Scotch Moss is also known as Irish Moss, Corsican Sandwort, Pearlwort.
Scotch Moss displays a low mat-forming ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Scotch Moss produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scotch Moss?
Sagina subulata requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scotch Moss Need?
Scotch Moss thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scotch Moss Prefer?
Sagina subulata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Scotch Moss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scotch Moss?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Scotch Moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Scotch Moss?
Divide and replant 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 Scotch Moss?
Scotch Moss can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pearlwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scotch Moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scotch 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 Scotch Moss?
Scotch Moss is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Scotch Moss Need?
Scotch Moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Scotch Moss is native to Europe, from Iceland south to Spain, and east to southern Sweden and Romania. In cooler regions, grow Scotch Moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Scotch 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 Sagina genus — compare its care with other Sagina species on PlantoScan.
Sagina is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Scotch Moss thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sagina Species
Other Sagina species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sagina subulata C.Presl, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Sicul. : 158 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scotch 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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