Rough Twisted-moss Plant Care
Syntrichia ruralis (Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Mohr
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Syntrichia ruralis, commonly known as twisted moss and star moss, is a species of moss in the family Pottiaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution. It occurs in North America, the Pacific, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South Africa, South America, and Australia.
Every 2–4 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rough Twisted-moss?
Water Rough Twisted-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 Rough Twisted-moss?
Rough Twisted-moss (Syntrichia ruralis) belongs to the Pottiaceae family within the Syntrichia genus. Rough Twisted-moss is also known as Field Screw-moss.
Rough Twisted-moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Rough Twisted-moss produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rough Twisted-moss?
Syntrichia ruralis 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 Rough Twisted-moss Need?
Rough Twisted-moss thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Rough Twisted-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 Rough Twisted-moss Prefer?
Syntrichia ruralis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Rough Twisted-moss prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rough Twisted-moss?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Rough Twisted-moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Rough Twisted-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 Rough Twisted-moss?
Rough Twisted-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 Rough Twisted-moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rough Twisted-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 Rough Twisted-moss?
Rough Twisted-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 Rough Twisted-moss Need?
Rough Twisted-moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Rough Twisted-moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Rough Twisted-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.
Rough Twisted-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 ruralis (Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Mohr, family Pottiaceae (first published in Index Mus. Pl. Crypt. [2] 1803) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rough Twisted-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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