Four-toothed moss Plant Care
Tetraphis pellucida Hedw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tetraphis pellucida, the pellucid four-tooth moss, is one of two species of moss in the acrocarpous genus Tetraphis. Its name refers to its four large peristome teeth found on the sporophyte capsule.
Every 2–3 days
Low to medium indirect light
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Four-toothed moss?
Water Four-toothed moss every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity.
What Is the Four-toothed moss?
Four-toothed moss (Tetraphis pellucida) belongs to the Tetraphidaceae family within the Tetraphis genus. Four-toothed moss is also known as Pellucid four-toothed moss.
Four-toothed moss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Four-toothed moss produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Four-toothed moss?
Tetraphis pellucida 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 Four-toothed moss Need?
Four-toothed moss thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 50–250 lux. Avoid placing Four-toothed moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
50–250 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Four-toothed moss Prefer?
Tetraphis pellucida grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Four-toothed moss prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Four-toothed moss?
Moist, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Four-toothed moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Four-toothed moss?
Rarely requires repotting. 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 Four-toothed moss?
Four-toothed moss can be propagated through spores.
Is the Four-toothed moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Four-toothed 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 Four-toothed moss?
Four-toothed moss is susceptible to generally pest-free. 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 Four-toothed moss Need?
Four-toothed moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Four-toothed moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Four-toothed 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 Tetraphis genus — compare its care with other Tetraphis species on PlantoScan.
Tetraphis is part of the Tetraphidaceae plant family — browse all Tetraphidaceae genera and species.
Four-toothed 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: Tetraphis pellucida Hedw., family Tetraphidaceae (first published in Sp. Musc. Frond. 43. 7 f. 1 a–f 1801) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Four-toothed 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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