Exo Terra Forest Moss is real compressed moss from tropical Asia — completely natural, with no dyes and no chemicals.

That last point is not a throwaway. Amphibian skin is permeable and absorbs whatever it rests on, which is why dyed decorative moss sold for craft use has no place in a terrarium. For frogs, newts and salamanders the difference is a real one.

The Best Use: A Humid Hide

Moss holds far more water for its volume than bark or soil, which makes it the material of choice for a humid hide — a small container or cave packed with damp moss that an animal can crawl into.

This matters most at shedding. A reptile that sheds in conditions that are too dry retains patches of old skin, and retained shed around toes and tail tips tightens as it dries, cuts off circulation and costs the animal digits. It is among the most common avoidable injuries in captive reptiles, and a moss-filled hide prevents it. Pack it into an Exo Terra Snake Cave or Reptile Cave.

Key Features

• 100% natural compressed moss, free of dyes and chemicals
• Highly absorbent — excellent for raising and holding humidity
• Ideal for amphibians and wetland reptiles
• Perfect for humid hides in the Snake Cave or Reptile Cave
• Suitable as an egg-laying and incubation medium
• Encourages burrowing and exploring
• Two 7 L bricks

Using It

1. Soak the compressed brick in warm water until it expands and softens.
2. Squeeze out excess water — it should be damp, not dripping.
3. Use as a full substrate, as a top layer, or packed into a hide.

Important

• Keep it damp, not saturated. Waterlogged moss grows mould and causes scale rot and skin infections.
• Replace moss in a humid hide regularly. Constantly damp organic material in a warm enclosure is exactly where bacteria and fungus establish.
• Use dechlorinated water for amphibians.
• Feed in a dish — loose substrate swallowed with food can cause gut impaction.