Top 7 Plants for a Moss Terrarium (Plus a Fun Alternative!)
There’s something calming about a moss terrarium, like a little pocket of nature you can keep right on your desk or shelf. Soft, earthy, and full of texture, it brings a sense of peace to any space without needing much upkeep.
If you love the look of moss terrarium plants and want to create your own, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best types of terrarium moss, how to care for them, and even introduce a fun, unexpected alternative that fits right in with the moss-loving vibe.
Let’s get started! 🌿
7 Best Moss Terrarium Plants
Creating a live moss terrarium is easier than you think! These terrarium moss options will give your setup texture, depth, and a vibrant green aesthetic.
Cushion Moss (Leucobryum glaucum): Best for Structured, Tidy Terrariums
Cushion Moss gets its name from its rounded, pillow-like appearance. It grows in tight clumps, creating a full, textured look that works well in both open and closed terrariums. Since it naturally retains moisture, it doesn’t need constant misting, making it a great option for beginners
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Naturally forms a mounded, cushion-like shape for a structured look
- Doesn’t spread aggressively, keeping terrariums tid
- Tolerates a range of humidity levels
Cons
- Can dry out if the terrarium has too much airflow
- Loses its soft appearance if overwatered
Mood Moss (Dicranum spp.): Best for Adding Depth and Texture
Photo credit: British Bryological Society
Mood Moss has a rich, velvety texture that makes it stand out in terrariums. It grows in small, twisting clumps that create a dynamic, layered effect. This moss prefers consistent humidity and does best in a closed terrarium where moisture is maintained.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Adds height and dimension to terrarium designs
- Holds moisture well, reducing the need for frequent misting
- Tolerates indirect light, making it suitable for indoor setups
Cons:
- Can turn brittle if the humidity drops too low
- Doesn’t spread evenly like other mosses, so placement requires more effort
Sheet Moss (Hypnum spp.): Best for Ground Cover and Natural Flooring
Photo credit: Nature Wildflowers Nursery
Sheet Moss is an excellent choice for covering soil and creating a soft, natural carpet in terrariums. It grows flat, making it perfect for layering under other plants or creating a moss-only setup. It thrives in humid environments and holds onto moisture well, helping to keep the terrarium environment balanced.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Spreads quickly, filling empty spaces in the terrarium
- Creates a natural, forest-floor effect
- Stays relatively low-maintenance once established
Cons:
- Prone to drying out if exposed to too much direct light
- Can develop patchy spots if humidity is inconsistent
Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum): Best for a Delicate, Feathery Look
Fern Moss is known for its lace-like structure that resembles miniature fern fronds. It thrives in humid environments and does well in shaded terrariums. Its fine texture makes it a great accent moss, adding variety to plant arrangements.
Pros & Cons
Pro
- Offers a soft, detailed look that contrasts well with other plants
- Adapts well to both closed and open terrariums
- Holds moisture effectively, making it easy to maintain
Cons
- Can appear sparse when first introduced and takes time to spread
- More delicate than other mosses, making it sensitive to drying out
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): Best for Aquatic Setups
Photo credit: eBay
Java Moss is a versatile, water-loving plant often found in aquariums but also suitable for terrariums with consistently high humidity. It grows in soft, trailing mats and can attach itself to rocks, wood, or substrate, making it a great choice for creative terrarium designs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely hardy and adaptable to various conditions
- Can be attached to different surfaces for unique displays
- Grows steadily without much maintenance
Cons:
- Requires high humidity and frequent misting to stay healthy
- Can become stringy and unkempt if not trimmed occasionally
Club Moss (Selaginella spp.): Best for Tropical-Style Terrariums
Club Moss is a fern ally that resembles moss in appearance but has a more structured, upright growth habit. It brings a different texture to terrariums, with small, scale-like leaves that add depth and variation. Unlike true mosses, it has roots and prefers a slightly more nutrient-rich substrate.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Adds variety with its unique, upright growth
- Can handle moderate light better than some true mosses
- Works well in tropical terrariums with other moisture-loving plants
Cons:
- Needs more moisture and nutrients than traditional mosses
- Can grow taller than expected, requiring occasional trimming
Moss Ball (Marimo): Best for a Low-Maintenance, Water-Based Alternative
Marimo Moss Balls aren’t actually moss, they’re a rare form of slow-growing algae that naturally forms into soft, round shapes. Unlike traditional terrarium moss, they live in water, making them an easy, mess-free option for plant lovers who want something a little different.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely low-maintenance, just change the water every couple of weeks
- Doesn’t need soil, misting, or trimming
- Can live for decades with minimal care
- Fun, interactive plan, can be rolled around to keep its shape
Cons
- Needs to stay submerged in water
- Grows very slowly, so it won’t fill out a space quickly
- Sensitive to extreme heat and direct sunlight, which can cause browning
How To Set Up a Moss Terrarium?
Creating a moss terrarium is simple. With the right moss terrarium plants, a well-balanced environment, and a little care, your miniature ecosystem can flourish for years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a beautiful and healthy terrarium.
1. Choose the Right Container
A glass terrarium is the best choice, as it helps maintain humidity and allows light to reach your moss terrarium plants. You can use a fully enclosed terrarium for high-humidity mosses or a partially open one if you prefer better airflow.
2. Add Drainage Layers
Since moss doesn’t have deep roots, proper drainage prevents excess moisture buildup, which can lead to mold. Start with a layer of small pebbles, gravel, or activated charcoal at the bottom. This keeps water from sitting in the soil and helps filter impurities.
3. Use the Right Substrate
A thin layer of moist, well-draining soil or sphagnum moss creates a base for your terrarium moss to anchor. Some mosses can also grow directly on rocks or driftwood without soil, depending on the setup.
4. Arrange Your Moss Terrarium Plants
Now comes the fun part, placing your moss! Choose what moss you will be using like what we reviewed earlier. Gently press the moss into the substrate or attach it to hardscapes like rocks and wood.
5. Mist and Maintain Humidity
Moss thrives in humid conditions, so lightly mist your terrarium with filtered or rainwater. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause mold. If using an enclosed terrarium, open the lid occasionally to let fresh air circulate.
6. Place in Indirect Light
Most moss terrarium plants prefer soft, filtered light. Too much direct sun can dry them out, while too little light can slow their growth. A north-facing window or a spot with gentle morning light is ideal.
7. Maintain and Enjoy!
Keep an eye on moisture levels, remove any dead moss or debris, and mist as needed. With proper care, your moss terrarium will stay healthy and beautiful for a long time.
How Long Do Moss Terrariums Last?
A moss terrarium can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on its care and environment. While a perfectly balanced terrarium has the potential to thrive indefinitely, most last between 4 months to 2 years before needing adjustments.
Factors That Affect Moss Terrarium Longevity:
- Humidity Balance: Too much moisture can cause mold, while too little can dry out the moss.
- Light Exposure: Bright, indirect light keeps moss healthy, but harsh sunlight can damage it.
- Proper Ventilation: Enclosed terrariums need occasional airflow to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Regular Maintenance: Trimming dead moss, removing debris, and refreshing water (for water-based moss balls) can extend the life of your setup.
Moss Ball vs. Moss in Terrariums
While traditional terrarium moss grows on soil and thrives in humid, enclosed environments, moss balls (Marimo) are completely differen. Unlike sheet or cushion moss, which need misting and airflow management, Marimo Moss Balls simply float in a jar, requiring only occasional water changes.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide to Marimo Moss Ball Terrariums!
Where to Buy Moss & Moss Balls
For high-quality moss balls, Moss Amigos is a trusted source. As a registered nursery in California with phytosanitary certification, it meets strict standards for plant health and sustainability.
📌 All moss balls are pest-free, including protection against invasive species like zebra mussels.
Start Your Unique Setup Today!
Final Thoughts
A moss terrarium is a simple and rewarding way to add a touch of nature to any space. With the right moss terrarium plants and proper care, it can last for months or even years.
For an even easier option, Moss Amigos offer a low-maintenance alternative that thrives in water. Both bring a natural, calming feel without the hassle of constant upkeep. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Moss Grows Well in Terrariums?
The best mosses for a live moss terrarium includes Sheet Moss, Cushion Moss, and Mood Moss. These varieties hold moisture well and adapt to enclosed spaces, making them ideal for long-lasting setups.
What Plants to Put in a Snail Terrarium?
A moss plant terrarium for snails should include Sheet Moss, Java Moss, and Fern Moss, along with safe plants like ferns and pothos. These provide humidity, shelter, and a natural environment for snails.
What Plants Survive Best in a Terrarium?
The best plants for a live moss terrarium are Mood Moss, Cushion Moss, and small ferns, as they thrive in high humidity and low light. Air plants and fittonia also work well for enclosed spaces.
Does Terrarium Moss Get Moldy?
Yes, moss terrarium plants can develop mold if humidity is too high and airflow is low. Prevent this by misting lightly, allowing ventilation, and removing any decaying matter.
What Moss is Best for a Terrarium?
Sheet Moss, Cushion Moss, and Mood Moss are the best options for a moss plant terrarium, as they retain moisture, adapt to terrarium conditions, and create a natural, forest-like look.
References:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Cushion moss | Ground Cover, Evergreen & Mosses. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/cushion-moss
British Bryological Society. (2025b, January 29). Dicranum scoparium - British Bryological Society. https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/dicranum-scoparium/
Yatskievych, & George. (1998, July 20). Sheet moss | Description & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/sheet-moss
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998b, July 20). Fern moss | Indoor Care, Propagation & Types. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/fern-moss
Tillandsias as houseplants. (n.d.). https://extension.psu.edu/tillandsias-as-houseplants
NParks | Fittonia albivenis (Argyroneura Group)’White Anne’. (n.d.). https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/4/3453
