Liquen musgo islandés (vivo) - Cetraria islandica

Bring a rugged, natural touch to your displays with living Icelandic Moss Lichen (Cetraria islandica). This hardy, frilly-textured lichen forms delicate, branching structures in soft green, grey, and brown tones, creating an earthy, windswept look. Native to cooler climates, it thrives in moist, well-ventilated environments, making it a fascinating addition to woodland-inspired plant arrangements. While this lichen is used in medicine, we'd recommend using ours as decoration - find some inspiration below for how to use this stunning, silvery lichen

Unlike preserved mosses, this living lichen continues to grow, adapt, and evolve in its environment, offering a truly organic element to your designs.

Scientific Name
Cetraria islandica (resembling a leather shield, from Iceland)

Synonyms: Lichen islandicus

Common Names
Iceland Moss, Icelandic Moss Lichen, Iceland Lichen, Iceland Cetraria Lichen, True Iceland Lichen

Origin
Native to Iceland and alpine areas in the Northern hemisphere, especially sub-Alpine and mountainous areas.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Indirect light is best, just make sure the daylight is bright enough to read by.

• Water: A light misting to keep your lichen from drying out should be enough. Getting too wet can quickly lead to mould.

• Humidity: Above-average humidity will help keep this lichen soft and green, however do make sure there's decent airflow as well as it can rot in too-still air.

• Soil: Make sure grows on a dry surface; soil is not necessary as this lichen takes in its moisture on the surface.

• Temperature: This plant is totally hardy, so won't mind about low temperatures. Keep an eye on it during heat waves to make sure it's gettin enough moisture and is out of direct sun.

Pet Safe
Yes, this lichen is non-toxic tso safe for pets and small humans. Just make sure they don't eat large quantities - as with anything, this can cause issues.

Why You’ll Love It:
🌿 True Living Lichen – Grows and changes over time, adding character to displays.

🏔 Naturally Hardy – Found in wild tundras and forests, it’s resilient and long-lasting.

🪵 Textural Beauty – Frilled, branching structures provide depth and contrast in naturalistic settings.

🌱 Low Maintenance – Requires indirect light and light misting to maintain health.

Ways to Use Icelandic Moss Lichen
🌿 Open Terrariums & Dish Gardens – Ideal for dry, well-ventilated setups.

🌲 Mossariums & Woodland-Themed Displays – Complements bark, ferns, and stones beautifully.

🏡 Miniature Landscapes & Dioramas – Perfect for crafting wild, tundra-inspired scenes.

🎨 Botanical Art & Craft Projects – A great addition to natural wreaths, framed art, and wild-themed decor.

🪴 Top Dressing for Potted Plants – Helps create a naturalistic, forest-floor effect.

🦎 Vivariums & Reptile Enclosures – Suitable for bioactive setups, where airflow prevents excess moisture buildup.

Important Note: Not for Closed Terrariums!
This lichen requires good airflow and low-to-moderate humidity, making it unsuitable for sealed terrariums. If using in plant displays, ensure:

✔ Ample airflow – Works best in open terrariums, rock gardens, or bonsai displays.

✔ A dry resting surface – Ideal on bark, stones, or well-draining soil.

✔ Occasional misting, not soaking – Overwatering can lead to decay or mould.

Perfect For:
✔ Open Terrariums & Dish Gardens – A living alternative to preserved moss.

✔ Naturalistic Displays – Ideal for woodland-style decor, bonsai arrangements, or wild landscape models.

✔ Eco-Friendly Decor – Sustainably harvested and long-lasting.

✔ Crafting & Model Scenery – Great for dioramas, botanical art, and handmade nature projects.

🌱 Sprouts Top Tip: Icelandic Moss Lichen is highly adaptable but sensitive to excess moisture - keep it in a ventilated space with good airflow to prevent rot.