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Plagiothecium spp.
silk moss
Temperate and boreal regions worldwide
Overview
Plagiothecium is a genus of mosses in the family Plagiotheciaceae, with numerous species distributed across temperate and boreal regions worldwide. The plants form flattened, often glossy mats or wefts of slender shoots that lie close to the surface, with leaves arranged so that each shoot appears pressed flat in one plane. Individual shoots are typically 0.4-4 inches (1-10 cm) long, pale to deep green and silky in appearance when dry. Like all mosses, Plagiothecium has no true roots, flowers, or seeds; it anchors by slender rhizoids and reproduces by spores released from capsules borne on slender stalks, as well as by fragmentation. It grows in shaded, humid places on soil banks, decaying logs and stumps, tree bases, and humus-rich ground in woodland, and some species favor acidic peaty substrates. Plagiothecium needs steady humidity and shade, and the mats dry out and lose color in exposed or droughty positions, so the genus is encountered mainly in moist woodland and shaded gardens rather than open sunny ground.
Native Range
Plagiothecium is widespread across temperate and boreal parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows in shaded, humid woodland on soil banks, rotting wood, tree bases, and peaty ground.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and surface covering in shaded, moist woodland gardens, on logs and stumps, and in moss gardens and terrariums. Suited to damp, shaded corners where higher plants struggle.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4"
Width/Spread4" - 2'
Bloom Information
As a moss, Plagiothecium does not flower. Spore capsules are produced on short stalks, ripening in spring or summer in many species before shedding their spores. Reproduction also occurs by fragments of the shoots taking root in suitable damp ground.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Plagiothecium in deep to part shade in a consistently humid, sheltered position on acidic, humus-rich soil, rotting wood, or rock kept moist. It needs no fertilizer and draws moisture from rain and humidity rather than from roots, so misting or a damp microclimate maintains the mats through dry spells. Lime, drying winds, and direct hot sun all bleach the color and shrivel the shoots. Established mats spread slowly to knit over bare ground and wood. Fallen tree leaves are cleared off the mats to stop them smothering, and foot traffic on the colony is limited because the shoots tear easily. Propagation is by transplanting or scattering small fragments onto moist substrate.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Clear fallen leaves and debris from the mats so they are not smothered. Torn or browned patches can be lifted away, and the moss will knit back over time.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons