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Hookeria spp.
Cosmopolitan in humid temperate and tropical regions
Container Friendly
Native to North America
SunFull Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Hookeria spp. is a genus of pleurocarpous mosses in the family Hookeriaceae, found in damp, shaded places across temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres. Plants form low, glossy, pale to mid-green mats or wefts, with creeping to ascending stems usually under 2 inches (5 cm) long. The leaves are broad, flat, and translucent, and under a hand lens the large, lax cells form a visible network unlike the small cells of most mosses. Like all mosses, Hookeria spp. has no true roots, flowers, or seeds; it anchors by slender rhizoids and reproduces by spores. Spore capsules are borne on short reddish stalks and nod when ripe. The widespread H. lucens grows on wet soil, stream banks, rotting logs, and shaded rock in cool, humid woodland. The genus needs constant humidity and shade, and the soft mats dry and shrivel quickly if exposed to sun or wind. It spreads slowly and is intolerant of disturbance, so colonies build up only where moist, stable conditions persist.
Native Range
Found across temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres in cool, humid, shaded habitats; H. lucens occurs through Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in terrariums, mossariums, and shaded bog or woodland gardens for low green groundcover. The translucent leaves give close-up interest in container moss plantings. It is also used on shaded rockwork and damp logs in naturalistic settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 2"
Bloom Information
Mosses in this genus do not flower. Spore capsules develop on short stalks and shed spores mainly in late winter and spring in temperate climates.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Pale to mid green, translucentGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 2 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Hookeria spp. grows in deep shade on constantly moist substrates such as peaty soil, rotting wood, and shaded rock, often beside running water. High humidity is essential, and the mats brown and curl if the air or surface dries. Slightly acidic, low-nutrient conditions suit the genus, and it does not tolerate fertiliser or lime. In cultivation it is kept in terrariums, bog gardens, or shaded, sheltered corners watered with soft water. Cool temperatures and still, moist air give the steadiest growth. It establishes slowly from fragments laid on a damp surface.Pruning
No pruning is required. Overgrown or damaged patches can be lifted and re-laid on fresh moist substrate to renew a colony. Fallen leaves and debris can be cleared so the low mats are not smothered.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons