Richards' fern moss Plant Care
Taxitheliella richardsii Dixon
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique scalloped leaves that resemble a row of teeth, Taxitheliella richardsii hails from the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia. This eye-catching plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unusual leaf shape and vibrant green color, making it a standout addition to any plant collection.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
65°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Richards' fern moss?
Water Richards' fern moss every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65°F (18°C) and above and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Richards' fern moss?
Richards' fern moss (Taxitheliella richardsii) belongs to the Pylaisiadelphaceae family within the Taxitheliella genus. Richards' fern moss is native to Borneo.
Richards' fern moss displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Richards' fern moss produces small inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Richards' fern moss?
Taxitheliella richardsii requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Richards' fern moss Need?
Richards' fern moss thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Richards' fern moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Richards' fern moss Prefer?
Taxitheliella richardsii grows best at temperatures of 65°F. Richards' fern moss prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Richards' fern moss?
Loose, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Richards' fern moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Richards' fern moss?
Feed Richards' fern moss every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Richards' fern moss?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Richards' fern moss?
Richards' fern moss can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Richards' fern moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Richards' fern 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 Richards' fern moss?
Richards' fern moss is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Richards' fern 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 Taxitheliella genus — compare its care with other Taxitheliella species on PlantoScan.
Taxitheliella is part of the Pylaisiadelphaceae plant family — browse all Pylaisiadelphaceae genera and species.
Richards' fern moss thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Taxitheliella richardsii Dixon, family Pylaisiadelphaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 50: 129. 4 f. 47 1935) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Richards' fern 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.
- 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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