Using bryophytes for ecological restoration of bare rock engineering wound surfaces is an inexpensive, high-benefit, and potentially novel method. The key to realizing the engineering application of this new measure is a vast supply of moss inoculum. Mastering the developmental characteristics and important influencing elements of the specific moss species is the main objective of accomplishing this goal. Therefore, a study was carried out on Brachythecium plumosum, a dominant moss species on the rock surface in Qinling Mountains, to understand the natural developmental characteristics, the effects of different propagule types, and nutrient supply patterns on the growth and development of the moss by observing the growth index (stem length, branch length, cover area, and number of branch) and morphological changes. Field observations (in situ), indoor tissue culture, and nutrient application tests were used. The results showed that: (1) The unique morphological traits of Brachythecium plumosum allowed it to adapt to the rocky habitat. Brachythecium plumosum had densely lateral branches that formed simultaneously with the growth of the stem. (2) Microhabitats significantly influenced the development of the Brachythecium plumosum. Except a significant reduction in light intensity (15-55%), the undercanopy showed less variation in air humidity and temperature of the rock surface than the intercanopy. However, the growth rate of Brachythecium plumosum was more than 3 times higher under the canopy than in the intercanopy. (3) Both stems and leaves of Brachythecium plumosum had the potential to develop into gametophytes, but the development patterns were different and stems had a better capacity for regeneration than leaves. The gametophytes were regenerated directly from the stems, which had 100% survival rate. The developing protonema was not differentiated, which might play a role in attachment on the rock surface and nutrient uptake. Only 3.3% of the leaves survived, and the gametophytes differentiated from the protonema. (4) Long-term nutrient solution supply might have a negative impact on the moss growth on the rock surface. In the early stages of the experiment, the Hoagland nutrient solution promoted the growth of Brachythecium plumosum while simultaneously encouraging the development of pathogenic bacteria/pathomycete and algae, which caused the moss to wither or turn yellow. In sum, Brachythecium plumosum expanded quickly when the environmental conditions were suitable, which had good adaptability to adversity and was sensitive to microenvironmental changes. The development of Brachythecium plumosum was significantly influenced by the propagule types and nutrient supply patterns. These results offer an invaluable reference for the Brachythecium plumosum inoculum artificial propagation technique and ought to be completely considered in subsequent applications and studies.