Reindeer moss is the soft, springy, coral-like moss you see in florists' displays, moss frames and terrariums. Despite the name, it is not a true moss at all but a lichen, and the reindeer moss sold for decorating has been preserved and coloured so that it keeps its shape and texture without water or light. That makes it one of the easiest natural materials to decorate with, as long as you keep it dry.
The short answer
Reindeer moss is a lichen that grows in cold northern regions. The decorative kind is preserved, so it is no longer living and needs no water or light. Use it in open terrariums, wreaths, centrepieces, moss frames and around faux plants. Keep it dry and out of direct sun, keep it well away from candle flames, and remember it is for decoration only, not for eating.
What reindeer moss actually is
In the wild, reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) grows across the tundra and northern forests of Scandinavia, Canada and similar cold regions, forming pale, spongy mats on rocks and the forest floor. It is called reindeer moss because reindeer and caribou graze on it through the winter. Botanically it is a lichen, a partnership between a fungus and an alga, which is why it has that branching, almost coral-like structure rather than the leafy look of true moss.
For decorating, the lichen is gathered, cleaned, preserved and usually dyed. Preservation keeps it soft and pliable instead of crisp and brittle, and the dye gives the bright greens, whites and greys you see in shops. Once preserved it is no longer alive, so it will not grow, spread or need any care beyond keeping it dry.
Preserved moss vs living moss
It is worth being clear about the difference, because the two are used in very different ways.
- Living moss, such as cushion moss, needs light, moisture and usually a closed terrarium to stay green. Our guide to making a moss terrarium covers that kind.
- Preserved reindeer moss needs no light and no water at all, and in fact water spoils it. It suits dry, open displays and anywhere a living plant would not survive, such as a dark shelf, a frame on the wall or a table centrepiece.
So do not put preserved moss in a closed terrarium with living plants. The humidity in there makes it soggy, the colour can run, and it can start to go mouldy.
Ways to use reindeer moss
- Open terrariums. A layer of moss over sand or gravel makes a soft, green base for driftwood, stones, a small figure or air plants. Lift the air plants out to water them, so the moss stays dry.
- Christmas centrepieces. Snow White moss makes a convincing snowy ground for pine cones, a little wooden village or a nativity scene. Grass Green looks like a woodland floor under a glass dome.
- Wreaths and garlands. Glue clumps over a wreath ring or along a garland base for a soft, natural texture, then add dried orange slices, cones or ribbon.
- Moss frames and wall art. Packed tightly into a shallow frame, moss makes a simple piece of wall art. Mixing two shades, such as Grass Green and Light Grass, gives a more natural look.
- Finishing pots and vases. A layer of moss over the soil of a faux plant, or around dried stems in a vase, hides the mechanics and looks tidy.
How to work with it
- Tease it apart by hand. Pull large clumps into smaller pieces rather than cutting them. The irregular edges look more natural.
- Fix it in place with a glue gun, florist pins, or double-sided tape for lightweight jobs. For a terrarium, it can simply sit in place.
- Mind the colour. The dye can rub off a little on damp hands or fabric, so work with dry hands and keep it off pale upholstery.
- Soften crisp moss. In very dry, centrally heated rooms the moss can feel a little crisp. It softens again as the air becomes more humid, so store any spare in a sealed box or bag.
Looking after preserved moss
- Keep it dry. No watering, no misting and no steamy bathrooms.
- Keep it out of direct sun, which fades the colour over time.
- Dust it gently with a soft brush, or a hairdryer on its coolest setting held well back.
- Keep it away from flames. Dry moss catches light easily. On a candlelit table, keep candles well clear of any moss, or use LED candles in the arrangement itself.
- Decoration only. It is not food for people or pets. Keep it out of reach of animals and small children who might chew it.
Common questions
Is reindeer moss real?
Yes. It is a real lichen that has been preserved and coloured. It is no longer living, which is why it needs no care.
How long does preserved reindeer moss last?
Kept dry and out of direct sun, it holds its colour and texture for a long time, often years. Damp and strong sunlight are what shorten its life.
Can you water reindeer moss?
No. Preserved moss is spoilt by water: it goes soggy, the colour can run, and it may go mouldy. Keep it dry.
How much reindeer moss do I need?
Our boxes hold about 500g, which goes a long way. That is enough for several terrariums and a centrepiece, with plenty left for a wreath, so it is worth sharing a box with a friend or keeping a colour for next year.
Our reindeer moss and terrariums
Our decorative reindeer moss comes in four colours, each about 500g net in a box: Snow White (£38.95) for winter and Christmas scenes, Grass Green (£38.95) for a fresh woodland look, the softer Light Grass (£38.95), and Charcoal Grey (£38.95) for a modern, muted display.
To display it, our glass terrariums include the geometric Large Diamond Glass Terrarium (£29.00) in a brass-finish frame and the Medium Ball Top Terrarium on Dark Tung Wood (£24.00). For seasonal ideas, see our Christmas terrarium ideas. Delivery is free in the UK on orders over £40.
