If you’re considering growing moss, it’s advisable to check certain points :

• Water :
Even though mosses are drought-resistant, they still need water to live and develop. They typically rely on rainwater. If this is not possible or insufficient, irrigation should be considered. However, watering must adhere to certain rules :

• Unlike other plants, it’s advisable to avoid watering moss when the temperature reaches or exceeds 25°C. During hot weather, mosses dry out and will regain their vigor with the first rain. They can withstand several weeks of drought.
• If aiming for cohabitation with other plants, it’s necessary to irrigate the other plants with a drip system and especially avoid spraying water on the mosses at the same time as the other plants.
• You need soft water (no hard water or water with too much sediment).
• Remember to stop irrigation during freezing periods.

Furthermore, mosses should not remain in standing water for more than 2 weeks.

Light : _There are various types of mosses ; some species are suited to light, while others only thrive in shaded areas. Therefore, it’s important to choose the appropriate species based on the selected planting location.
However, mosses require a minimum amount of light (250 lumens).

Wind :
Mosses will prefer sheltered yet ventilated areas.
They don’t tolerate indoor spaces well.

Slope :
The slope will promote drying out and erosion.

Walking and trampling :
One can walk on moss for maintenance purposes, but it doesn’t withstand trampling. Therefore, it should be avoided in high-traffic areas.

Other plants :
The leaves, fruits, and branches of trees can cover the mosses. If this input is balanced, the mosses will feed on it and develop. However, if the vegetation cover is too extensive, the mosses will also transform into humus. Therefore, it is advisable to remove dead leaves that have fallen on the moss carpets.
If the conditions are favorable, seeds from other plants can grow in the moss and cause it to disappear. Therefore, it is not recommended to install a moss carpet near a patch of wild grass.
You can limit the development of other plants by acidifying the soil or by placing a root-proof geotextile or plastic sheet between the soil and the moss

Animals :
Dogs, cats, and birds are likely to degrade the mosses.
IlIt is recommended to deter birds, which can cause significant damage, with scarecrows or to install a net in which the mosses can grow and be protected.
If the soil is not acidic, earthworms can create small mounds of soil that degrade moss beds, especially if the mosses are young and delicate.

Metals :
Mosses are sensitive to certain metals, especially zinc and copper. Drainage water from metal facades or galvanized or copper sheets should not come into contact with mosses. If necessary, the moss carpet should be installed on a drainage layer.

pH :
It is preferable to have a pH level below 7. Mosses are sensitive to alkaline environments, especially freshly poured concrete. If this is not possible, the moss carpets should be isolated with a plastic film. It is also important to avoid watering the carpets with water with a pH higher than 7.