Reindeer moss, also known as Cladonia rangiferina, is a unique species of lichen that has gained immense popularity in interior design in recent years. It's not a classic moss, but a lichen composed of a fungus and algae living in symbiosis. Its distinctive, fluffy structure, resembling fine twigs, and its ability to remain flexible after stabilization make it an ideal element in modern arrangements.
Where does reindeer moss come from and where does its name come from?
Cladonia rangiferina is native to the cold regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly in Scandinavian countries, Russia, Canada, and Alaska, where it forms extensive patches in the tundra and taiga. Its Polish name, "chrobotek," refers to the distinctive crunching sound it makes underfoot when dry, while its Latin name, "rangiferina," refers to reindeer, for which it is a primary food source.
In its natural habitat, lichen forms extensive "carpets" covering the soil surface. It is exceptionally resistant to low temperatures and harsh climatic conditions , enabling it to survive in Arctic regions where other plants cannot thrive.
Historically, lichen has held significant cultural significance for the northern peoples. For the Sami (formerly known as Lapps), it was not only an indirect source of food through reindeer herding, but also used in folk medicine to treat infections and lung diseases.
It is worth noting that at Vikingmoss we obtain reindeer moss only from sustainable, legal sources, ensuring that our impact on the natural environment is minimal.
How is reindeer moss different from other types of moss?
Reindeer moss differs from traditional mosses in its biological structure, as it belongs to the lichen family, not the bryophyte family. While mosses such as cushion moss and flat moss are simple plants, lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga, giving it a unique structure.
The most distinctive feature distinguishing lichen from other types of moss is its bushy, beaded form. Unlike typical mosses, which form dense, low carpets, lichen grows vertically, creating fluffy structures resembling a miniature forest.
Our customer experience shows that this unique texture is the most frequently cited advantage when choosing lichen for interior design. The softness and spaciousness it offers are impossible to achieve with traditional mosses.
It is also worth mentioning its durability – stabilized reindeer moss retains its flexibility and does not crumble, unlike other mosses that may become stiff and brittle after the preservation process.
| Characteristic | Reindeer moss | Typical mosses |
| Classification | Lichen (symbiosis of fungus and algae) | Plants (bryophytes) |
| Structure | Bushy, beaded | Flat or cushion-shaped |
| Growth | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Durability | Tall, keeps shape | Variable, may crumble |
What colors of reindeer moss are available?
Today, reindeer moss is available in a wide range of over 20 colors, from natural shades of green to intense decorative hues. In nature, it occurs primarily in light green or gray-green, but thanks to advanced stabilization and dyeing techniques, we can offer a much wider range.
The Vikingmoss offer includes both shades inspired by nature and colors that allow for bold design experiments:
Natural shades:
- Light green (classic shade)
- Medium green (light green with a gray undertone)
- Dark green (intense, deep color)
- Olive Moss
Intense decorative colors:
- Khaki Moss
- Sun Moss
- Red Moss
- Navy Moss
Contrasting combinations were particularly popular in 2024 projects—for example, deep black with vibrant turquoise or natural green with delicate pink. Our clients are increasingly opting for non-standard color combinations tailored to individual interior designs.
It is worth noting that all dyes used by Vikingmoss are safe for health and the environment!
What to choose? Loose moss, in panels, or in frames?
The choice between loose, paneled, or framed reindeer moss depends primarily on the intended use of the decoration, available space, and installation skills. Each of these solutions has its unique advantages and potential applications.
- Loose lichen allows for the greatest creative freedom. It's ideal for those who want to create their own unique compositions. Our experience shows that it works perfectly for creating irregular images, filling unusual spaces, and combining with other decorative elements.
- Reindeer moss panels are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of installation. At Vikingmoss we offer panels in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can be combined into larger compositions to create striking green walls.
- Reindeer frames, on the other hand, are complete decorations, ready to hang. They're the perfect solution for those looking for elegant, standalone décor elements that can function as natural paintings.
In 2025, we'll see the growing popularity of modular solutions, which allow for the flexible assembly of larger installations from smaller components. This trend addresses the need to personalize office and residential spaces.
Need help choosing the right solution? Contact our designers, who will help you choose the perfect reindeer moss for your space. Contact us →
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Custom-made reindeer moss walls MUSE Vikingmoss
1600zlotySelect an option This product has multiple variants. You can select your options on the product page -
Chrobotek PREMIUM Vikingmoss™ lichen
29zlotySelect options This product has multiple variants. You can select your options on the product page
What does reindeer moss look like after 2 years on the wall?
Properly stabilized and properly placed, reindeer moss retains its structure, elasticity, and color intensity after two years, without requiring watering or special care. This is one of the greatest advantages of this type of decoration, confirmed by numerous Vikingmoss from 2022-2023.
Research conducted on numerous installations completed by our company has shown that in 95% of cases, no significant changes were observed in the appearance or properties of the moss after 24 months of use. However, it is crucial to follow a few basic rules.
The most important factors influencing the durability of reindeer moss are:
- Air humidity (optimal: 40-60%)
- Sun exposure (avoid direct, intense sunlight)
- Quality stabilization (the process used by Vikingmoss guarantees durability)
It's worth noting that reindeer moss requires no maintenance – it doesn't need to be watered, sprayed, or fertilized. The only maintenance required is occasional dusting with a soft brush or compressed air.
Our customers particularly appreciate the fact that, unlike living plant walls, lichen installations do not generate maintenance costs and their attractive appearance remains unchanged for years.
What are the benefits of reindeer moss?
Stabilized reindeer moss requires no maintenance, absorbs sound, regulates air humidity, is hypoallergenic and durable, and at the same time is an ecological decorative element with exceptional aesthetic values.
One of its most important benefits, confirmed by acoustic research, is the ability of lichen moss to absorb sound. In tests conducted in office spaces, lichen moss walls reduced noise levels by 25-40%, significantly improving acoustic comfort.
Another advantage is its ability to regulate air humidity. Although stabilized moss is not living, it retains its hygroscopic properties, absorbing excess moisture from the air and releasing it when the air becomes too dry.
From a health perspective, a significant advantage is the material's hypoallergenic nature. Thanks to the stabilization process, the moss does not release pollen or spores, making it a safe solution for allergy sufferers.
Interior designers and architects find the versatility of reindeer moss particularly valuable. This material can be used in the following forms:
- Entire green walls
- Company logos
- Elements of visual information
- Decorative accents in furniture
- Independent artistic installations
Hi, my name is Marian Sikora and I'm the founder of Sikorka and Vikingmoss a company that has been producing wooden world maps for walls and moss walls since 2018. My extensive experience and qualifications have led to my success. I began my career in the IT industry, where I spent many years creating websites, graphic design, programming, and implementing marketing campaigns. However, over time, I desired a change and decided to channel my passion for creation into something more tangible.
