How to Grow Moss in a Terrarium

Moss can be challenging to grow indoors, since most homes do not have the necessary humidity to keep it going. Keeping the moss sufficiently moist can also be a chore. Terrariums help with both of these problems because they trap in moisture and humidity, making moss much easier to grow indoors.

Instructions

1. Use a moisture-retentive, poor potting mix for the moss. Moss need high moisture levels and also require a poor, low-nutrient environment. To grow moss in a terrarium, mix one part regular potting mix with one part sand and one part clay.

2. Fill the bottom of the terrarium with 1 inch of the potting mix. Moss has a very narrow root system because it typically grows on rocks and wood.

3. Plant the moss in the terrarium. Add a few rocks and pieces of wood for decoration. In addition to be decorative, the rocks and wood increase the humidity inside the terrarium. Eventually, the moss will grow to cover the wood and rocks.

4. Place a lid on the terrarium. Keep the lid on at all times. It should only be removed to water the moss.

5. Keep the moss consistently moist. There must not be standing water in the terrarium, but moss grows best when the potting mix stays moist. Water by misting the moss several times a week. If the potting mix is getting dry in between waterings, increase your misting frequency.

6. Put the terrarium in bright but indirect sunlight. Outside, moss needs a shaded area. Inside, moss grows best in bright light. However, direct sunlight causes the temperature inside the terrarium to be too high, so place the terrarium behind a transparent curtain or at least several feet away from a bright window.

7. Be patient. Moss grows slowly. It will eventually grow to fill the terrarium, but this may take a year or more.