Broadleaf Screw-moss Plant Care
Syntrichia latifolia (Bruch ex Hartm.) Huebener
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Syntrichia latifolia, formerly Tortula latifolia, and commonly known as water screw-moss, is a species of moss belonging to the family Pottiaceae. Syntrichia species differ from members of Tortula due to synapomorphic leaf qualities, such as different basal and distal cells, as well as different costal cross sections where Tortula has an abaxial epidermis and Syntrichia lacks one.
Every 2–4 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Water Broadleaf Screw-moss every 2–4 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 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Broadleaf Screw-moss (Syntrichia latifolia) belongs to the Pottiaceae family within the Syntrichia genus.
Broadleaf Screw-moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Broadleaf Screw-moss produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Syntrichia latifolia requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Broadleaf Screw-moss Need?
Broadleaf Screw-moss thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Broadleaf Screw-moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broadleaf Screw-moss Prefer?
Syntrichia latifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Broadleaf Screw-moss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Broadleaf Screw-moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Repot every 1-2 years. 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 Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Broadleaf Screw-moss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to syntrichia caninervis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Broadleaf Screw-moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Broadleaf Screw-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 Broadleaf Screw-moss?
Broadleaf Screw-moss is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Broadleaf Screw-moss Need?
Broadleaf Screw-moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Broadleaf Screw-moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Broadleaf Screw-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 Syntrichia genus — compare its care with other Syntrichia species on PlantoScan.
Syntrichia is part of the Pottiaceae plant family — browse all Pottiaceae genera and species.
Broadleaf Screw-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: Syntrichia latifolia (Bruch ex Hartm.) Huebener, family Pottiaceae (first published in Muscol. Germ. 342 1833) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broadleaf Screw-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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