Preserved moss has become a favourite for nature-inspired interiors because it brings rich texture and colour without the upkeep of fresh greenery. Carefully treated to stay soft and vibrant for months or even years, it works beautifully for feature walls, shop displays, centrepieces, and smaller DIY projects. In fact, preserved moss art is a great way to upscale an installation and add something special.
This guide breaks down what preserved moss is, how to choose the right type for your space, and the simple techniques that help it look its best for longer.
What Is Preserved Moss?
Preserved moss is harvested from nature, typically from forest floors or dedicated moss farms. It undergoes a unique preservation process to help retain its colour, texture, and soft, malleable quality for longer without the worry of ongoing maintenance.
Preserved moss should not be confused with dried moss, which is dehydrated.
Our preserved moss products are all sustainably sourced and are specifically chosen for their quality, durability, and ability to retain colour and texture for years without maintenance. Not to mention the showstopping displays our clients create with them!
6 Best Varieties of Preserved Moss
As specialist suppliers of preserved, dried, and artificial flowers, foliage, and plants, we love nothing more than pairing our clients up with quality materials for their biophilic designs and installations.
To find the right match, it’s important to understand the different types of moss and their characteristics. Similarities between these non-vascular plants include their typical occurrence in moist, shaded environments and their important roles in ecosystems, such as preventing soil erosion and retaining moisture.
With approximately 12,000 to 15,000 species of moss, it would be impossible to cover them all in this guide, but here are some of the common moss types that can be preserved:
Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangiferina)
Despite its name, Reindeer moss is technically a lichen, which gives it a unique, coral-like structure that stands apart from true mosses. Aptly named as it is commonly found on the forest floors of Norway and is fed as a special treat for reindeer, caribou, and moose, it has become a true star of biophilic design. It is characterised by a bushy, branching anatomy and a springy, sponge-like texture that remains soft to the touch after preservation.
Because of its porous nature, it absorbs non-toxic dyes more consistently than any other variety, making it the “colour palette” of the moss art world. Whether you are looking for a natural forest green or a bold, brand-specific neon, Reindeer moss provides a uniform, architectural look. Its ability to absorb up to 10 decibels of sound makes it particularly popular with interior designers for contemporary commercial installations where noise levels need to be managed.
Bun Moss/Pillow Moss (Leucobryum glaucum)
Often considered the “luxury” option in biophilic design, Bun moss (also known as Pole or Ball moss) grows in tight, convex mounds that resemble lush green cushions. Unlike Reindeer moss, preserved Bun moss is typically only available in shades of green, but its vibrant and modern appearance makes it a favourite for architects. Its structure is incredibly dense and firm, offering a thick, “short-haired” surface that catches the light beautifully and is very pleasing to the touch.
Designers primarily use Bun moss to create a “topographical” effect, adding significant three-dimensional height and depth to a wall. This rich, clumpy texture allows for a high-end aesthetic that feels both manicured and vibrantly alive. It works exceptionally well as a standalone feature or as a way to create focal points within a larger, mixed-texture installation.
Mood Moss (Dicranum scoparium)
Mood moss is the choice for designers who want to evoke the true, untamed feeling of a woodland floor. While it shares some height with Bun moss, it is far less uniform; it features long, elegant plumes that seem to “sweep” in different directions. This creates a natural sense of movement and “mood” within a piece of art. It has a rich, velvety finish that feels more organic and wild than the geometric shape of Bun moss.
It is best used when you want your installation to have character, depth, and a slightly mysterious, natural allure. Because of its irregular shape, it is perfect for mimicking the way moss grows over rocks or fallen logs in an ancient forest, making it a staple for high-end residential and hospitality projects that value a “raw” aesthetic.
Preserved Sheet Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme)
Sheet moss is loved for its soft, velvety texture that forms a dense, carpet-like mat. It grows in thin, sprawling layers that look exactly like a natural green carpet, which is how it earned its name. Because it is relatively flat and two-dimensional, it doesn’t compete for attention, acting as a clean, matte foundation for more complex designs.
This variety is highly flexible and can be easily wrapped around curved surfaces or used to cover large expanses of wall quickly. It is the perfect “negative space” or background material for moss walls, pictures, or even furniture accents. It pairs beautifully with other mosses to achieve layered and textured designs without adding unnecessary bulk.
Spanish Moss (Tillandsia)
Preserved Spanish moss is a staple for event displays, home decor, and wall art. Unlike other mosses that cling to surfaces, this is a “hanging” variety that grows in beautifully long, curly, hair-like strands. It brings a sense of ethereal movement and verticality to a space, making it the perfect complement to floral displays that require length and depth.
Because it drapes and weeps, it is frequently used to soften the edges of a moss wall or to create a “dripping” effect. Available in its natural colour as well as enhanced shades, it mimics the look of ancient trees in the Deep South, adding a layer of mystery and elegance to any arrangement. It is a durable and reliable choice for providing long-lasting beauty in hanging installations.
Spagnam Moss
Sphagnum moss offers a rugged, earthy aesthetic that is quite different from the leafy or velvety textures of other varieties. It is a long-fibered, shaggy moss that often retains more of its natural, brownish-green and tan highlights. This variety is known for its incredible moisture-retention properties in nature, and in its preserved state, it maintains a fibrous, wild appearance.
In a design, Sphagnum acts as the “wild filler,” perfect for tucking into gaps or creating a more weathered, rustic appearance. It feels raw and unrefined, making it an excellent choice for projects that aim for a “swamp-chic” or highly realistic wetland look. It provides an authentic, overgrown aesthetic that helps ground a piece of art in reality.
| Moss type | Best for | Profile height | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reindeer | Bold colours | 1.5" – 2.5" | Spongy / coral-like |
| Bun / Pillow | 3D features | 2" – 4" | Dense / velvety |
| Mood | Organic aesthetics | 2" – 3" | Plumed / swept |
| Sheet | Backgrounds | < 1" | Flat / carpet-like |
| Sphagnum | Rustic details | Variable | Long-fibre / shaggy |
| Spanish | Draping / edges | Hanging | Curly / ethereal |
Biophilic Interior Design and the Role of Preserved Moss
The demands of modern life are making it increasingly difficult to juggle work, family, health, leisure, and wellbeing without compromise. Incorporating moss and the beauty and benefits of nature into our indoor spaces has never been more crucial for our mental well-being.
With this in mind, designers of both commercial and domestic interiors are incorporating the biophilia theory into their thinking more and more. Biophilia refers to the inherent human inclination to connect with nature and other forms of life.
It suggests that many of us have a deep attraction to the natural world, which is rooted in our biology and genetic make-up. Derived from the Greek words for ‘life’ and ‘love or affection,’ its literal meaning is ‘love of life’.
Biophilic design is the design approach that seeks to help those occupying a property connect more closely to nature. Incorporating natural elements such as preserved moss into the building environment enhances wellbeing, health, and productivity.
The goal is to create spaces that are more enjoyable, restorative, calm, and grounded by bringing nature into urban and indoor settings.
It’s not just moss either! Natural lighting, ventilation, water features, and the use of natural materials and textures all complement the principles of biophilic design.
As well as our wide range of preserved moss, our clients also love our preserved foliage and flowers and air fern range (one of our bestsellers is Fern ‘Brilliance’), which all work well with moss art and moss wall designs. Air ferns are, in fact, a type of moss, and the product we stock is harvested from areas of the Thames Estuary!
Pro-Tip - Moss as a Natural Humidity Gauge: One of the most fascinating traits of preserved moss is its hygroscopic nature. Even though it is no longer “living,” it still breathes with your room. When humidity levels are healthy (above 40%), the moss stays soft and lush.
If the air becomes too dry, the moss may feel slightly firm to the touch, acting as a natural indicator that your space might need a humidifier. Once the moisture in the air returns, the moss softens right back up.
FAQs
How is moss grown and harvested?
The preserved moss we stock comes from a handful of carefully selected producers around the world, all of whom operate diligently to protect the natural habitats that the moss grows in. They produce all their own mosses, some of which are propagated in controlled conditions, cultivated using artificial domestication and harvested from lush natural forest habitats.
All the preserved moss and flowers we stock come from sustainable cultivation and harvesting practices that prioritise eco-friendly methods, focusing on environmental protection and soil and water conservation. This includes using natural preservatives and avoiding harmful chemicals.
What are the environmental benefits of preserved moss?
A smaller carbon footprint – preserved moss and flowers require no ongoing cultivation or transportation, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions compared to living plants.
Extended lifespan – the longer lifespan of preserved moss and flowers eliminates the need for frequent replacements and therefore lowers the environmental impact associated with continual production of fresh flowers.
Less waste generation – thanks again to their longevity and methods of use, less waste is generated when using preserved moss and flora.
How is moss preserved?
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Moss is carefully hand-picked from a sustainable source.
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Mosses are first cleaned of natural forest materials and then sprayed to eliminate bacteria and pests. The moss then begins the preserving process using human-friendly, non-toxic materials.
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Some producers favour immersion processing, whereas others will spray the mosses, both of which are equally effective.
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The preserving processes are carried out in carefully controlled temperature and pressurised conditions.
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All chemical substances used are non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-explosive, will not react to chemicals, nor are they in any way carcinogenic, so they present no threat to human health during normal use.
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Natural and edible colour dyes are used.
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An anti-mildew, anti-damp application is applied.
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Any fire-retardant application is applied.
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The moss then goes through a stringent quality check before being left to dry naturally.
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The process should follow the guidelines of international safety and human-friendly guidelines, and our producers have achieved various international certifications, such as ISO environmental certification
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The preservation process usually requires 18-21 days
How is preserved moss packaged?
Wherever possible, we work with all suppliers to reduce the use of plastics in all packaging, with the target to be 100% plastic free by year end 2025. It isn’t always as easy as it seems – environmentally friendly, cost-effective packaging is a bit of an oxymoron, but it is becoming more and more achievable as packaging companies switch over to recycled and recyclable materials.
Our moss products are packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes, which protect them in transit and allow the product to ‘breathe’, which is necessary to prevent mould forming. This can be caused when the products are subjected to any moisture and/or humid conditions.
What’s the best way to handle preserved moss?
It isn’t always as easy as it seems. Environmentally friendly, cost-effective packaging is a bit of an oxymoron, but it is becoming more and more achievable as packaging companies switch over to recycled and recyclable materials.
Our moss products are packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes, which protect them in transit and allow the product to ‘breathe’, which is necessary to prevent mould forming. This can be caused when the products are subjected to any moisture and/or humid conditions.
How do you maintain and care for preserved moss?
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Whilst no watering, trimming, or touching is required, occasionally, gently wipe with a feather duster or blow with a hair dryer (using cool air, low speed, and from a moderate distance) to remove dust from the moss.
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Preserved moss is for indoor use only.
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Store/display in a dry environment with temperatures between 60-85°F.
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Avoid crushing or compression.
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Protect from direct sunlight and strong indirect sunlight. Ideally, use UV-controlled windows for indoor strong direct sunlight.
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Keep humidity levels between 40% and 80%.
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Maintain a minimum distance of 48” between the artwork and heat-emitting lights.
Does preserved moss have a scent?
Because it is a natural product that has been preserved in its prime, you may notice a mild, earthy “forest” fragrance upon unboxing. This is simply the scent of the natural moss and the preservation oils. For most, this is a pleasant reminder of the outdoors, but if you prefer a neutral scent, there is no need to worry—the fragrance is not permanent. It typically dissipates within 2 to 3 weeks as the moss acclimates to the airflow and humidity of its new indoor environment.
Does the colour of preserved moss bleed or fade?
To achieve those vibrant, consistent greens and bolds, the moss is treated with high-quality, non-toxic dyes. During the installation process, you may find that some of this pigment transfers to your hands (we recommend wearing gloves while glueing!). Once the moss is mounted and left undisturbed on the wall, the colour is “set.” To prevent fading over time, the most important rule is to keep your moss art out of direct sunlight, as UV rays are the primary cause of pigment loss in any preserved botanical.
Does preserved moss attract insects or pests?
This is one of the most common myths about bringing moss indoors. Unlike living plants, which require soil and water and can attract gnats or spiders, preserved moss is no longer a hospitable environment for insects. The preservation process replaces the plant’s natural moisture with a salt and glycerin solution, effectively removing the “food” source for pests. You get all the beauty of a garden without the worry of an indoor infestation.
Is preserved moss a fire hazard?
Safety is a top priority for architects and business owners. While natural dried moss is highly flammable, the glycerin used in the preservation process actually helps the moss retain moisture, making it naturally more resistant to fire. For projects in public spaces, many of our mosses can be further treated with fire-retardant sprays to meet specific building codes and “Class A” fire ratings, ensuring your installation is as safe as it is striking.
What’s the difference between dried moss and preserved moss?
While preserved moss is a beautiful range of colour and vibrancy, this cannot be said for dried moss. We do not stock or sell dried moss, as in the drying process, moss turns brown and brittle. We would recommend not drying moss at home from fresh moss either, as preserving moss is the only way to keep the colour and integrity of your moss.
As well as preserved moss, we offer a selection of artificial moss styles as an alternative.
In conclusion, sourcing high-quality preserved moss is essential to us. Whether you’re looking for bulk or wholesale materials, partnering with a trusted supplier is key to ensuring the best results. Atlas Flowers stands out as a leading expert in providing top-tier preserved moss and other preserved, artificial and dried materials, helping you craft vibrant and enduring works of moss art. With the right products and support, your moss creations can thrive and captivate for years to come.
ADD THE WOW FACTOR TO YOUR BIOPHILIC DESIGN PROJECTS WITH PRESESRVED MOSSES:
Natural Beauty Sustainably Sourced Natural Raw Materials Biodegradable Zero Maintenance Long-lasting