Reindeer Moss is a lichen, not a true plant. It is a complex organism resulting from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. The common variety is a species within the genus Cladonia, often Cladonia rangiferina, characterized by its highly branched, spongy, and pale gray-green structure. Because it lacks roots, it cannot be “grown” like traditional moss or flowering plants. Cultivation focuses on maintaining a specialized environment that allows the existing lichen to thrive and slowly expand, rather than stimulating growth through soil nutrients.
Understanding the Specific Environmental Needs
The unique structure of Reindeer Moss allows it to absorb all moisture and nutrients directly from the air, rain, and dew, making high humidity its most significant requirement. In its natural arctic and boreal habitats, the lichen thrives in cool temperatures and frequent moisture, such as morning mist or dew. Since it lacks a root system, it does not require soil. It prefers well-drained, nutrient-poor substrates like sand, rocky areas, or acidic forest floor materials.
The optimal lighting condition for Reindeer Moss is bright, indirect light or dappled shade, which mimics its native environment beneath coniferous trees. Direct sunlight is detrimental because it can rapidly scorch the delicate structure and cause it to dry out and become brittle. While the lichen is cold-hardy, its most rapid metabolic activity occurs in cool, humid conditions, typically between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Because the lichen relies on aerial moisture, only distilled or rainwater should be used for misting, as tap water contains minerals and salts that interfere with hydration absorption.
Establishing a Cultivation Area
Setting up a habitat requires selecting a suitable container, such as a clear glass terrarium, fishbowl, or shallow tray, ensuring it has a wide opening for air exchange and easy access. The base layer should consist of 1 to 2 inches of gravel or small pebbles to ensure proper drainage and prevent the lichen from sitting in stagnant water. Since the lichen absorbs nutrients from the air, the substrate serves only as an anchoring medium. Use a layer of non-nutritive material like sand, wood chips, or a slightly acidic mix of fine bark and loam.
When placing the sourced lichen material, gently secure the pieces onto the substrate without burying them, which can be easily done using a pair of chopsticks or tweezers. Initially, lightly spritz the lichen and the growing medium with distilled or collected rainwater. A container with a lid helps maintain high humidity but requires occasional opening for fresh air exchange and to prevent excessive fogging. Position the entire setup in a location that receives ample ambient light but is completely shielded from direct sun exposure throughout the day.
Ongoing Care and Revival Techniques
Routine maintenance focuses on maintaining high humidity and cool temperatures within the cultivation area. The lichen should be checked daily, and if the surface of the growing medium or the lichen itself begins to feel dry, a light misting with distilled water is required. The goal is to keep the environment consistently moist without allowing standing water to collect, which can promote fungal growth or decay. Keep the habitat away from air conditioning vents or heat sources, as sudden fluctuations or prolonged dry heat will quickly desiccate the delicate structure.
A healthy specimen will feel soft and spongy. If the lichen becomes hard, crunchy, and brittle, it is a clear sign of severe dehydration. To revive dry material, a method of soaking can be employed by placing the brittle lichen in a shallow container of distilled water for a few hours until it regains its soft texture. Rot, conversely, is indicated by a slimy or discolored appearance, often due to poor air circulation or excessive moisture. This requires temporarily opening the container to allow the excess humidity to evaporate. Because Reindeer Moss grows extremely slowly, consistent environmental stability is the most effective form of long-term care.