Chocolate Cosmos vs Peacock Moss Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Chocolate Cosmos
Cosmos atrosanguineus
Chocolate Cosmos is a tuberous perennial plant prized for its dark, velvety, chocolate-scented flowers. It typically grows to a height of 40-60 cm. The flowers are usually a deep maroon to chocolate brown color and bloom from summer to frost. While it can be grown in containers, it is primarily an outdoor plant that requires specific conditions to thrive. People grow it for its unique flower color, fragrance, and ornamental value in gardens.
Peacock Moss
Selaginella willdenowii
Peacock Moss is a fern-like plant, though technically a spikemoss, known for its iridescent blue-green foliage. The leaves appear to shimmer with a metallic sheen, creating a rainbow effect in the right light. It's a low-growing, spreading plant that thrives in humid environments. While it can be grown indoors, it requires specific conditions to flourish, making it more challenging than many common houseplants. It is grown for its unique foliage and visual appeal.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Chocolate Cosmos | Peacock Moss |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage. |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days during the growing season, depending on weather and soil drainage. | Every 2-3 days, depending on humidity and temperature |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 70-90% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 40-60 cm | 15-30 cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand. | Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Chocolate Cosmos
| Scientific Name | Cosmos atrosanguineus |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | Mexico (endemic to a small area in Mexico; now extinct in the wild) |
| Also Known As | Chocolate Cosmos |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately divided, resembling ferns, and are a medium green color. They are finely textured and provide a delicate backdrop to the dark flowers. |
| Flowers | While it may flower indoors under ideal conditions (very bright light), it is more commonly and reliably flowered outdoors. The flowers are typically a deep maroon to chocolate brown color and have a velvety texture. They are approximately 3-5 cm in diameter and have a distinct chocolate scent. |
Peacock Moss
| Scientific Name | Selaginella willdenowii |
|---|---|
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Native To | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines) |
| Also Known As | Peacock Moss, Willdenow's Spikemoss, Rainbow Moss |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, scale-like, and arranged in overlapping rows along the stems. They have a delicate, feathery appearance. The color is typically a vibrant blue-green with an iridescent sheen that appears to shift depending on the angle of light. |
| Flowers | Peacock Moss rarely, if ever, flowers indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Chocolate Cosmos
Peacock Moss
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Chocolate Cosmos
Methods: Division, Tubers, Seed (though seed propagation can be challenging and may not produce true-to-type offspring)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide tubers in early spring before new growth begins. Plant tubers in well-draining soil and keep moist until established. Seeds can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Peacock Moss
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings and place them in a humid environment, such as a terrarium or under a humidity dome. Keep the soil consistently moist. Division can be done when repotting, separating the plant into smaller clumps.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Chocolate Cosmos
The Chocolate Cosmos is unique for its dark, velvety flowers and distinct chocolate scent. It is also notable for being extinct in the wild, with all cultivated plants being clones of a single specimen.
- ✓ Aesthetic appeal with unique dark flowers.
- ✓ Pleasant chocolate fragrance enhances outdoor spaces.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Provides cut flowers for arrangements.
- ✓ Adds visual interest to garden borders and containers.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Peacock Moss
The iridescent blue-green foliage is its most striking feature, creating a shimmering effect that is rare among houseplants. Unlike true mosses, it has vascular tissue, allowing it to grow taller and more upright.
- ✓ Adds a unique and visually appealing element to your indoor space.
- ✓ Creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
- ✓ Can help to increase humidity levels in the surrounding area.
- ✓ Offers a connection to nature and a sense of tranquility.
- ✓ Provides an interesting talking point for guests.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Chocolate Cosmos
Peacock Moss
🌞 Light Requirements
Chocolate Cosmos
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Peacock Moss
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Chocolate Cosmos
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to tuber rot. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a mushy stem base. Underwatering results in wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
Peacock Moss
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the foliage to dry out and turn brown. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Chocolate Cosmos
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Peacock Moss
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 70-90%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Chocolate Cosmos
Cosmos atrosanguineusExperienced gardeners who want a unique and fragrant addition to their outdoor garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You love the unique chocolate scent of the flowers.
- You want a plant with unusual dark-colored blooms.
- You have a sunny garden or patio.
- You enjoy a challenge and are willing to provide the specific care this plant needs.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You don't have a sunny location.
- You are a beginner gardener looking for an easy-care plant.
Peacock Moss
Selaginella willdenowiiExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide the high humidity and consistent moisture this plant needs.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You are looking for a unique and visually striking plant.
- You can provide a high-humidity environment, such as a terrarium.
- You enjoy a plant that requires a bit more attention and care.
- You want a plant with a distinctive iridescent sheen.
- You are looking for a plant that stays relatively small and compact.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You struggle to maintain high humidity levels in your home.
- You tend to overwater or underwater your plants.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance plant.
- You don't have a bright, indirect light source available.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Chocolate Cosmos is rated Expert care level, while Peacock Moss is Moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Chocolate Cosmos Care Tips
Chocolate Cosmos is primarily an outdoor plant and requires specific conditions to thrive indoors. It needs ample sunlight, well-draining soil, and careful watering to prevent tuber rot. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the high light requirements and the need for a cool, dry dormancy period in winter.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent tuber rot.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Protect from frost in colder climates by lifting and storing tubers indoors.
Peacock Moss Care Tips
Peacock Moss requires high humidity and consistent moisture, making it more challenging to grow indoors than many common houseplants. It thrives in terrariums or enclosed environments where humidity can be maintained. Proper lighting is crucial to maintain its iridescent color. It is not drought-tolerant.
- Maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup in the soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light to maintain the iridescent color.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Repot in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space for growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Chocolate Cosmos
Peacock Moss
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Chocolate Cosmos
What are the light requirements for Chocolate Cosmos?
Chocolate Cosmos requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce abundant blooms. When grown indoors, place it near a sunny window, preferably south-facing. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Plants grown in too much shade will produce fewer blooms and may become susceptible to fungal diseases. Monitor the plant’s foliage; pale or yellowish leaves can indicate insufficient light.
How do I care for Chocolate Cosmos?
Chocolate Cosmos thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, or one specifically formulated for blooming plants. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. In colder climates, protect from frost or bring indoors during winter. Chocolate Cosmos benefits from consistent humidity, especially when grown indoors. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regularly check for pests and address them promptly. Prune back in late fall to encourage bushier growth the following season.
How do I propagate Chocolate Cosmos?
Chocolate Cosmos can be propagated by division or stem cuttings.
Peacock Moss
What are the light requirements for Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant coloration and healthy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage, so it’s best to avoid placing it in a location where it will receive intense sun exposure. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window is ideal. If the plant is not receiving enough light, its colors may become dull and less vibrant. Supplemental lighting, such as a grow light, can be used if natural light is insufficient. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even light exposure on all sides. The goal is to mimic the filtered light conditions of its natural rainforest habitat.
How do I care for Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss thrives in consistently moist, humid conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, using distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup. Maintain high humidity by misting regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water. Provide bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate foliage. The ideal temperature range is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Plant in a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Prune any dead or yellowing fronds to encourage healthy growth. Regularly check for pests and address any infestations promptly. A terrarium is an ideal environment for this plant.
How do I propagate Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss can be propagated through division or spores. For division, gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and foliage. Plant each division in a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix. Keep the divisions consistently moist and humid until they are established. Spore propagation is more challenging but can be achieved by collecting spores from mature fronds and sowing them on a sterile substrate. Maintain high humidity and provide indirect light. Division is the easier and more common method. Successful propagation requires patience and consistent care. Provide a warm and humid environment for best results.
Last updated: April 21, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.