Beijing Professor Warns of Mould Risks as Moss Brick Fading Spreads

More than 5 million views on Weibo have captured the attention of young Chinese adults who now identify as brick parents. They care for mossy blocks they call brick babies, a hobby that offers companionship without the financial or emotional demands of keeping pets or raising children. The trend provides a low-cost alternative to traditional relationships in a challenging economic climate.

The maintenance routine is simpler than tending to house plants. Owners spray the bricks with water several times a day to encourage moss spores from the air to settle and grow. Chinese media described the bricks as practically immortal. If an owner forgets to water, the moss enters a dormant state and resumes growing when moisture returns.

One brick parent wrote on social media, No cats, no dating, I started raising a brick. Another user on Xiaohongshu, an Instagram-like platform known as Rednote, shared a photo of a rusty-coloured brick. The post stated there was no output required, no KPIs to hit, and no need to beg it to bloom or compare its growth with others. The user described the experience as zero-energy emotional companionship that meets the need for company without requiring love in return.

The fad aligns with a shift away from traditional social expectations. Official statistics show nearly one in five people aged 16 to 24, excluding students, are unemployed. Some estimates place the figure higher. China's birthrate fell to a record low last year. Many young people face a sluggish job market and are choosing to lie flat, a low-effort lifestyle that suits brick raising well.

Chinese media have begun warning about potential health risks associated with the hobby. Cultivating moss can encourage the spread of mould. Some brick parents have reported itchy eyes and a runny nose. Xuedong Li, a retired moss professor at Beijing's Capital Normal University, advised enthusiasts to manage their environment carefully to mitigate these issues.

Li urged hobbyists to keep their mossy bricks in an enclosed environment. In a statement to Chinese media, Li said it is best to wear disposable gloves and a mask during handling to reduce spore inhalation and skin contact.