Fernandes' Forkmoss Plant Care
Thamnobryum fernandesii Sérgio
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Thamnobryum fernandesii is a species of moss in the family Neckeraceae. It is endemic to Madeira in Portugal, where it is known from just a few locations.
Every 3–5 days
Low to medium indirect light
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Fernandes' Forkmoss?
Water Fernandes' Forkmoss every 3–5 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.
Where Is the Fernandes' Forkmoss Native To?
What Is the Fernandes' Forkmoss?
Fernandes' Forkmoss (Thamnobryum fernandesii) belongs to the Neckeraceae family within the Thamnobryum genus. Fernandes' Forkmoss is native to Madeira in Portugal.
Fernandes' Forkmoss displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Fernandes' Forkmoss produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fernandes' Forkmoss?
Thamnobryum fernandesii requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fernandes' Forkmoss Need?
Fernandes' Forkmoss thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 50–250 lux. Avoid placing Fernandes' Forkmoss 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 Fernandes' Forkmoss Prefer?
Thamnobryum fernandesii grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Fernandes' Forkmoss 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 Fernandes' Forkmoss?
Well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Fernandes' Forkmoss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Fernandes' Forkmoss?
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 Fernandes' Forkmoss?
Fernandes' Forkmoss can be propagated through spores, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alleghany forkmoss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fernandes' Forkmoss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fernandes' Forkmoss, 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 Fernandes' Forkmoss?
Fernandes' Forkmoss is susceptible to slugs, snails, 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 Fernandes' Forkmoss Need?
Fernandes' Forkmoss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Fernandes' Forkmoss is native to Madeira in Portugal. In cooler regions, grow Fernandes' Forkmoss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Fernandes' Forkmoss 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 Thamnobryum genus — compare its care with other Thamnobryum species on PlantoScan.
Thamnobryum is part of the Neckeraceae plant family — browse all Neckeraceae genera and species.
Fernandes' Forkmoss 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: Thamnobryum fernandesii Sérgio, family Neckeraceae (first published in Bol. Soc. Brot., sér. 2, 53: 1125. f. 1–8 1981) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fernandes' Forkmoss, 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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