Irish Moss

Irish Moss prefers moist soil but should not be in waterlogged soil as this will cause root rot. Water your Sagina subulata when the soil starts to dry out and only water to keep the soil moist, not wet. During the summer months, your Irish Moss may need watering frequently.

Irish Moss enjoys partial shade or full shade and will tolerate direct sunlight for limited periods of time. The brightness of direct sunlight may cause its foliage to burn, so find an area of the garden that will provide your Irish Moss with dappled sunlight or filtered light. If you have established your Irish Moss in a pot on your patio, such areas would provide moderate light.

Irish Moss thrives in 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) temperatures but can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures as long as there is some shade and minimal direct sun exposure. This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.

Irish Moss prefers humid levels, therefore, in dry climates regular misting of its foliage may help to keep it looking lush. In dry weather, moderately fertilize your Irish Moss with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.

Irish Moss grows best in rich, loamy, slightly acidic soil with a neutral pH. Be sure to use a soil that is well-draining. You can also amend the soil with sand or peat moss to improve drainage, and a liquid fertilizer to provide nutrients.

Fertilizing your Irish Moss will not be necessary if it's planted in a nutrient-rich soil. If you have amended your soil, you may wish to add a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season in order to give your Irish Moss the nutrients it needs to thrive. Avoid applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer as this can cause your Irish Moss to become too leggy and course in its foliage.

Irish Moss doesn't usually suffer from many insect pests. If your Irish Moss has an infestation, it's generally caused by an interplay of several factors that could include recent changes in temperature, humidity, light, or water. Most common infestations are foliar nematodes, which will cause circular patches of yellow in the foliage with some browning along the edges. Remove infected leaves and use neem oil to deter the pests from returning.

Because Irish Moss grows low to the ground, it may eventually need to be repotted. Repotting should be done in the spring or summer months when your plant is actively growing. Check the roots of your Irish Moss for overcrowding in the soil and if it looks like the roots are tightly packed, then it likely needs to be repotted. Use a slightly bigger pot that has good and well-draining soil.

Irish Moss rarely needs pruning. If pruning is required, use scissors to trim off dead or browning foliage which will also help to encourage new growth. Prune lightly to maintain its desired shape.

Your Irish Moss does best with some form of groundcover, like wood chips or straw, within its surrounding area. This will encourage the foliage to grow and help it to retain moisture. Place your mulch around the base of the plant but not touching the foliage itself.

Irish Moss can be propagated very easily by division or through the growth of its runners. In early spring, dig up your Irish Moss gently and use scissors to cut the rootball into sections. Plant the divisions in fresh soil and water in. You can also propagate Irish Moss through its runners, which are thin stems that have begun to take root. Gently dig these up and replant into fresh soil.

Irish Moss is such a low-growing ground cover that it typically doesn't need support and is capable of covering even the smallest spaces. However, if you wish to give it extra height, support can be provided with a moss pole or stake.

Irish Moss will generally start to go dormant around late autumn. It's important to continue a routine of watering your Irish Moss and it will begin to show signs of life in the following spring.

Irish Moss is not toxic to humans but can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Be sure to keep Irish Moss away from grazing animals or curious pets.