Image: AI generated
Moss Campion Plant Care
Silene acaulis subsp. bryoides (Jord.) Nyman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Silene acaulis subsp. bryoides, also known as moss campion, is a small, cushion-like plant with tiny pink flowers that bloom in rocky alpine habitats. Its low-growing habit and dense mat of foliage make it an eye-catching addition to rock gardens or alpine plantings.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Moss Campion?
Water Moss Campion every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity.
What Is the Moss Campion?
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis subsp. bryoides) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Moss Campion is native to Europe. Moss Campion is also known as Moss Pink, Mountain Campion.
Moss Campion displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Moss Campion produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Moss Campion?
Silene acaulis subsp. bryoides 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 Moss Campion Need?
Moss Campion thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moss Campion Prefer?
Silene acaulis subsp. bryoides grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Moss Campion prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Moss Campion?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Moss Campion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Moss Campion?
Repot every 1-2 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 Moss Campion?
Moss Campion can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine catchfly plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Moss Campion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Moss Campion, 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 Moss Campion?
Moss Campion is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Moss Campion Need?
Moss Campion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 6b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a. Moss Campion is native to Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2a – 6b
Keep exploring plants
Moss Campion 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 Silene genus — compare its care with other Silene species on PlantoScan.
Silene is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Moss Campion thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Silene Species
Other Silene species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Silene acaulis subsp. bryoides (Jord.) Nyman, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Consp. Fl. Eur. 93 1878) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Moss Campion, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 6b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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