Moss is an excellent solution for decorative greening in poorly lit locations. Problematic locations, such as the terrarium and aquarium, are given a velvety floor covering in this way. Where majestic orchids cast large shadows, a shade-tolerant moss cushion lies at their feet. Read here which types of moss have emerged as problem solvers.

Peat moss gets by with little light

Mosses for low-light terrariums and orchid showcases

In the terrarium, moss makes an important contribution to the ideal living conditions for your amphibians. Wherever rare orchids are cultivated in the warm, humid climate of a display case, moss must not be left out. The following types have proven themselves in practice:

  • Peat moss (sphagnum) must not be taken from nature and is available in specialist shops for little money
  • Widertonmoos (Polytrichum commune) can also be planted in shady garden areas
  • Swamp moss (Sphagnum palustre) is suitable as a ground cover or as a base for attached orchids

These mosses do not go limp in the water when there is little light

Mosses are gaining ground as a design element in the aquarium. By no means all species can cope with the low light conditions and a permanent life under water. The following selection presents tried and tested mosses:

  • Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), the popular aquarium moss with the filigree foliage
  • Weeping willow moss (Vesicularia ferriei), ideal for attaching to stones and branches under water
  • Christmas moss (Vesicularia montagnei) quickly forms dense cushions on floors and walls with its tree-like shoots
  • Coral moss (Riccardia chamedryfolia), magnificent with dark green, coral-like shoots
  • Spring moss (Fontinalis antipyretica), the reliable supplier of oxygen, which also thrives in poorly lit areas

With the enchanting pond liverwort (Riccia fluitans) you have two design options at your disposal. The liverwort species not only thrives in water, but is also decorative as a floating plant.

tips

You can also use most of the mosses in this selection to create an atmospheric color scheme in the room. Plant the moss on a lean, acidic substrate in the mini glass greenhouse or in the shapely glass cylinder. If you spray it regularly with soft water in a shady spot, the velvety upholstery will keep its rich green color for a long time.

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Vegetable garden