Plagiomnium undulatum
palm-tree moss
Container Friendly
Native to North America
SunFull Shade – Part Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Plagiomnium undulatum is an upright moss with a growth form resembling a miniature palm tree, producing erect stems 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) tall topped by a spreading rosette of leaves. The tongue-shaped leaves are 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) long, translucent green, and distinctly wavy across the surface, with a toothed margin and a single midrib running most of their length. Fertile stems stand erect, while sterile stems arch over and root at the tips, spreading the plant outward into loose colonies. It lacks true roots, anchoring by slender rhizoids, and absorbs water and nutrients directly across its surface. Spore capsules are produced occasionally, nodding and cylindrical on stalks 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) tall, ripening in spring. Growth is fastest in cool, humid, shaded conditions and slows in dry weather, when the wavy leaves shrink and curl. It forms persistent patches on consistently damp ground and depends on steady moisture, thinning where the surface dries for long periods.
Native Range
Found across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Grows on damp, shaded ground in woodland, on stream banks, beside springs, and among rocks, on neutral to base-rich soils that stay moist for most of the year.Suggested Uses
Grown in terrariums, vivariums, moss gardens, and shaded bog gardens for low green cover with an upright, palm-like form. Suited to consistently moist, shaded sites where few vascular plants establish. Not suited to dry, sunny, or exposed positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
This moss does not flower. Spore capsules form occasionally, nodding on stalks and ripening in spring. Vegetative growth is most active in the cool, humid months from autumn to spring and slows during summer dry spells.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
translucent greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 3 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
Grows in partial to deep shade on consistently damp ground and rock, in woodland, bog gardens, and shaded corners. It needs high humidity and steady moisture, and the wavy leaves shrink and curl where the surface dries out. In cultivation it is grown in terrariums, vivariums, and moss gardens on damp soil or stone. No feeding is needed, as the moss absorbs nutrients across its surface. It spreads by arching stems that root at their tips and by fragments scattered on moist ground. Direct sun and prolonged drought cause dieback.Pruning
No pruning is required. Patches can be lifted or divided to control spread or to start new colonies. Clearing fallen leaves from the surface keeps the shoots exposed to light and moisture.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing