Abstract: Mosses can contribute substantially to forest water retention, but the extent to which this function varies among growth forms remains poorly resolved. Water-holding characteristics were quantified for 12 moss species representing turf, weft, and mat growth forms in forest ecosystems of Linzhi City, Xizang, using indoor soaking and suspended water-loss assays. Maximum water-holding rate, water-holding capacity, water absorption rate, and water loss rate were compared among the three growth forms. Results revealed that water-holding capacity differed significantly among the three life forms, following the overall pattern mat > weft > turf. Mat-forming mosses showed the highest mean maximum water-holding rate (1 173.88%), exceeding those of turf-forming (801.00%) and weft-forming mosses (888.70%). Both water uptake and subsequent water loss were well described by logarithmic relationships, with the most rapid water absorption occurring within the first 2 h. These results indicate that moss growth form strongly influences water-holding capacity. Mat-forming mosses showed the greatest water interception and retention capacity and therefore represent the preferred growth form for ecological restoration and water-conservation applications.