12 Types Of Moss That You Can Add to Your Garden

Did you know that there are over 12,000 different species of moss? In this post, we'll cover the main types of moss you'll come across.

All types of moss are non-flowering, small plants that grow as dense, clumps or green mats in shady and damp areas. Mosses have stems and leaves, but they are void of any real roots. It is common for leaves found on mosses to be only one cell thick.

These unique plants don’t create seeds. They are in fact classified as sporophytes, which mean they will begin production of spores right after fertilization.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common garden variety mosses that you will likely encounter in typical backyards or hobbyists' terrariums.

But first, when shopping online for moss, what will you come across?

General types of moss you can buy

Before we get into the common varieties of live moss for planting, we thought we'd address the types of moss you'll encounter just when shopping for moss online.

1. Live Moss

Live moss requires moisture and soil for growth. It helps to understand the exact mechanism behind their growth and what nutrients they want. These species can grow from spores instead of seeds, making plantation convenient.

Premium Super Mix by Appalachian Emporium

This product is courtesy of Appalachian Emporium, a manufacturer that needs no introduction because all florists will have heard of them in some capacity.

You will also receive their Moss Care Guide, which simplifies the development procedure. The end result will be a combination of at least two kinds of moss, including rock cap moss, feather moss, sheet moss, and more.

Click here to buy it on Amazon.

Live Moss Mix by Appalachian Emporium

Another product by Appalachian Emporium, this live moss mix also comes with a free British Soldier Lichen, which should make your garden look more varied. The small price tag makes this 1 quarter bag relatively affordable compared to similar products on the market.

Click here to buy it on Amazon.

2. Dried Moss

Dried moss is typically used as a craft material. Most people take use dried moss in vastly different home projects form flower arrangements to wreaths. Dried moss will stay in a dormant state until rehydrated.

Natural Dried Moss by Baoblaze

This reindeer moss is very pleasing to look and is designed specifically for use with wireframes, moss arrangements, planted bowls, and various other craft. It contains glycerin to keep it supple and soft.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

3. Preserved Moss

Preserved moss is used to describe moss that has been repurposed by chemical preservative for use with arts and craft. Unlike dried moss, preserved moss is no longer alive and won’t respond to rehydration.

Preserved Sheet Moss by DALAMODA

This product is designed for long term usage and can cover most areas, making it possible to spruce up even the dullest of decors. You can purchase two versions of this product, 15” by 17.5” and 14 by 60”, make sure you select the most appropriate product based on your research. Make sure to protect it from water and the product will last a long time.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

Preserved Reindeer Moss by BD Crafts

If you love bright orange hues or are a fan of mangoes, this product should help you reenact your love for mangoes. It is available in a 2oz bag, making it possible to cover a sizable decent amount of space. The reindeer moss is a good candidate for covering plants, containers, and other textures.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

4. Artificial Moss

Yes, you can actually buy moss that isn't really moss. Made of plastic, these non-organic products come as sheets or in the form of "moss-covered" stones, like these -

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Common varieties of garden moss

1. Irish Moss

Irish moss is so nutritious that it was once used as poverty food during the infamous Irish Potato Famine that lasted almost 2 years from 1846 to 1848. To this day, it has impressive health benefits and is used to thicken milk and smoothies.

500 Irish Moss Seeds by NAZ

If you’re in the mood to create beautiful gardens, then this pack of 500 Irish moss seeds is just what you need. It forms a thick and lush carpet of thin stems that will look brilliant in most settings. You should provide lots of water to Irish moss in order for it to thrive.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

2. Cushion Moss

White moss, or more commonly known as cushion moss, can be found growing uncontrollably in the wild. It easily makes its way into residential gardens. It is extremely easy to grow cushion moss, which forms green mossy balls.

Live Cushion Moss by Terrarium Moss

If you want to grow moss easily without worrying about things becoming too laborious, then you should order live cushion mosses by Terrarium Moss. You will receive a package of 10 live cushion mosses that are pesticide free and perfect for your garden or terrarium. The packaging is extremely durable and will keep the moss safe for several months to come.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

3. Sheet Moss

Sheet moss is used by enthusiasts to create elaborate flower arrangements. They typically form carpet-like mats on soil and rock. Sheet moss will thrive in shade and tolerate some sunlight, although it is not recommended to shine direct sunlight onto them.

Live Sheet Moss Starter Kit

This product on Amazon is a very rare find on Amazon, perfect for both starters and professionals alike, and it is like a ‘starter kit’ of sorts. It is extremely easy and convenient to grow it on your hard and overhaul your garden. You will receive five square feet of sheet moss, which is ample for most people.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

4. Spanish Moss

Spanish moss comes from the same taxonomic family as succulent house plants and pineapples, which means it’s technically exactly a moss at all. This perennial herb takes its nutrients from the air and debris surrounding it.

Fresh Organic Spanish Moss by Vintage Farmhouse

This product is a great place to start if you like Spanish moss. It retains moisture, which is perfect for use with container plants, basket plants, and planter boxes. The final product, once fully grown will add lots of flair to your house. Even your pet reptiles will love to burrow inside.

Click here to buy this product on Amazon.

5. Gold Moss

These are rock loving mosses that provide beautiful groundcover. Gold moss serves various functions including being medicinal, edible, and aesthetic enough to provide a makeover to your yard.

Sedum Gold Moss by Javagado Land

This product comes with a whopping 1500 seeds, making it possible to cover your entire garden with lustrous gold moss. They will look beautiful in container gardens and hanging baskets. Furthermore, gold moss is easy to grow because they require very little water and lots of sunlight. Be prepared to give it a germination time of at least 14 to 28 days.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

6. Rock Cap Moss

Rock Cap Moss is a beautiful and bright plant that requires little to no soil to grow. This unique species is usually seen growing on top of rocks, adding luster to their dull neutral décor. They are extremely easy to grow.

Rock Cap Moss by Alyf Market

Alyf Market can be a great source of sourcing bulk rock cap moss because each package contains 1 sq ft of the species. You won’t be having any difficulties growing them. Make sure you start planting them right away because they will arrive fresh.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

7. Hair Cap Moss

Its name was coined after an observer realized that its appearance bears an uncanny resemblance to hairs that cover a cap. When fully grown, hair cap moss can completely overtake a garden. They consist of wiry, tough shoots that can grow to lengths of 40 cm long.

Hair Cap Moss

If you want 200 spores of Hair cap moss species, this product is an ideal place to start. It is very easy to grow due to the soil requirements which range from rich acidic humus to dry sandy gravel. Make sure to refer to the planting instructions before trying it out on your backyard.

 Click here to buy it on Amazon.

8. Feather Moss

The next group of mosses we are highlighting is known as feather moss. It is a group of pioneering plants that have a distinguished appearance that resembles fluffy feathers. Its branches can grow between 1 and 3cm long.

Life Feather Moss by Terrarium Moss

Terrarium Moss is another renowned florist in the industry, and it is trusted and held in high regard by fellow enthusiasts. You can buy 1 quart of moss which is easy to grow and doesn’t require too much effort. Furthermore, it is pesticide free, which will make your life as a gardener much easier.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

9. Reindeer Moss

Reindeer moss is composed of many dainty and light branches, which grow in tufts that are very similar to cushions. It can become fairly brittle when dry but retains its sponge-like structure when rehydrated.

Preserved Reindeer Moss by Birchforest

If you want to decorate your house with durable reindeer moss that will last long after purchase, then consider giving this product a try. It has that signature spongy texture that reindeer moss is typically known for. Each pack contains 2.5 oz of preserved reindeer moss. The lovely appearance will give a nice finishing touch to your garden.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

10. Mood Moss

Mood moss or dicranum scoparium is given its popular name because of the distinct appearance it shows when retaining full moisture. It requires less water but does take a long time to fully grow.

Oregon Coast Forest Mood Moss

This is premium grade moss that is all natural and handpicked by experts with years of experience. You will receive approximately 6 to 7 oz for this product, making it perfect for use in your garden and other crafts projects.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

Mood Moss Natural Green by CCC

If you want mood moss that is lusciously green and can cover the foundation of your arrangements, then look no further then this product. It is perfect for an art and crafts project. Furthermore, you will receive a return policy of 5 days to return the product should it arrive not as promised by the seller.

Click here to buy it on Amazon.

11. Club Moss

Club moss is an ancient species of plants that resemble mosses, but they usually have a structure that resembles clubs and produces spores. When used by experts, club mosses manage to look extremely beautiful.

Hyperzia Shining Club Moss

Amazon doesn’t have a large roster of club mosses to choose from, but it does have this hidden gem. This is a packet of 50 pores which inevitably add a new layer of dimension to your décor. The pores can grow to sizes between 6 to 12 inches in length. These plants look emerald green and absolutely handsome. They can grow in low light conditions with no issues.

12. Spike Moss

Spike moss is one of nature’s most mild-mannered foliage plants that are astonishingly beautiful to look. They are commonly sold as an aquatic plant in many aquarium shops.  Spike moss thrives in high humidity terrains.

Selaginella kraussiana Spike Moss by Winter Greenhouse

This miniature plant manages to stay out of your sight, improving the look and feel of your garden subtly. When provided the right growth conditions, it can form dense mats of foliage that can stretch to over 12 inches across. The plant is commonly suited in the creation of fairy gardens and miniature gardens. All in all, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

Click here to learn more on Amazon.

Avatar Spike Moss by AchmadAnam

Once it arrives, the spike moss needs to be properly looked after. It is a slow grower and must be kept moist at all times. The good news is that it requires very little to no direct sunlight, but it does require lots of moisture. Since shipping is immediate, you will receive the package undamaged.

Click here to buy it on Amazon.

Thinking of having moss in your garden? You may find these lists useful too –

Top 30 Online Stores for Live Moss and Moss Seeds

How to Create a Moss Lawn in 5 Easy Steps

How to Grow Moss on Stone (Step-By-Step Guide)

How Fast Does Moss Grow?

Does Moss Grow in the Sun?