Growing Moss

[goosetown]

This is something I'm really, really, really struggling with at the moment. I'm trying to grow a new, small patch of moss at the base of one of my junipers and trying to...improve the appearance of pre-existing moss on another. On the former, I'm working with Kyoto moss spores. It's about about four weeks since I've started and it appears to be going flat-nowhere - brown and deadish.

Perhaps I just need to wait a little longer and keep doing what I've been doing, or maybe I just suck at cultivating so far. Can anyone offer any specific tips for moss growth and/or point me to a resource that advises on this matter? Having a bit of trouble digging anything up on my own.

Thanks guys!

One side question: is moss growing up the trunk always a bad thing?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Go for a walk and take a trowel with you. Look for the moss growing in sunshine, on concrete (check in the cracks), rather than moss growing on trees. Collect what you can with just enough dirt/duff/sand attached to hold it together. It should transplant well to bonsai soil, and if you really pack it down onto the soil surface, it will start to crawl out onto the soil. Like all growing things, it's seasonal, and at times, moss grows much more aggressively than at other times. Here, moss is not growing much right now. When nights cool off again in September, it seems to really take off.

Moss growing up the trunk is typically not appreciated in bonsai, nor is it altogether good for the tree's health. It tends to invite pest and fungal problems. If the tree has flaky bark, it also means removing bark to abate the moss, which can affect the illusion of age.

 

[rockm]

Moss is not actively cultivated by most bonsaiists. It shows up if it wants on my trees. I don't actively cultivate it and in some cases work to keep it OFF my trees.

FWIW, in Japan, moss is used only if the tree is to be shown. The moss is grown separately, then transferred in sheets to the top of the bonsai .It is later removed. Moss is not cultivate ON bonsai intentionally in Japan. Growing moss and growing bonsai require two mostly different soil conditions...

 

[goosetown]

Thank you for the explanation in the second paragraph. I'm less concerned with the "typical appreciation" for bonsai stuff, as I've started to find that my tastes depart from the standards more often than not, but the practical points are exactly what I was looking for. Luckily, I've been clearing the moss from the trunk of the tree that is currently growing it even though I find it rather eye-pleasing.

As for your first paragraph, I ask: what about alternatives to nature? On this matter, I have the unfortunate circumstance of living a) in a city and b) in a climate that's not exactly uber-friendly to moss. So sporing is likely my only way to go at the immediate. Is it possible to grow from spore right on the three's soil itself or is it a substantially better idea to grow it inside and transfer it?

Again, many thanks.

Go for a walk and take a trowel with you. Look for the moss growing in sunshine, on concrete (check in the cracks), rather than moss growing on trees. Collect what you can with just enough dirt/duff/sand attached to hold it together. It should transplant well to bonsai soil, and if you really pack it down onto the soil surface, it will start to crawl out onto the soil. Like all growing things, it's seasonal, and at times, moss grows much more aggressively than at other times. Here, moss is not growing much right now. When nights cool off again in September, it seems to really take off.

Moss growing up the trunk is typically not appreciated in bonsai, nor is it altogether good for the tree's health. It tends to invite pest and fungal problems. If the tree has flaky bark, it also means removing bark to abate the moss, which can affect the illusion of age.

 

[goosetown]

I know and understand the reasons to keep it OFF trees, and there are certainly good ones in a lot of cases. I will admit freely that it's absolutely an aesthetic thing for me personally and may be incredibly difficult to pull off where I am, especially at this time of year. To cut down to brass tacks, I'm really just looking for a very small, velvety patch of moss as a bit of an accent to the tree. So any tips that can get me started in that direction will be greatly appreciated.

Moss is not actively cultivated by most bonsaiists. It shows up if it wants on my trees. I don't actively cultivate it and in some cases work to keep it OFF my trees.

FWIW, in Japan, moss is used only if the tree is to be shown. The moss is grown separately, then transferred in sheets to the top of the bonsai .It is later removed. Moss is not cultivate ON bonsai intentionally in Japan. Growing moss and growing bonsai require two mostly different soil conditions...

 

[rockm]

"Is it possible to grow from spore right on the three's soil itself or is it a substantially better idea to grow it inside and transfer it?"

As you're finding, moss is not easy to actively cultivate on bonsai soil, that's because the soil drains too quickly and is probably not acidic enough. Moss prefers constantly, evenly moist acidic soil--mostly bad soils that nothing else can grow on.

Bonsaiist that want a carpet of moss for show or just for the temporary (and moss is temporary changing dramatically with the seasons) show, they grow it in separate quarters (Moss can't be grown inside very well, as the air coming from HVAC systems is far too dry to sustain it reliably. The light inside isn't intense enough either).

Here's a basic primer for growing moss that covers the bases--

http://ofbonsai.org/species-specific/accent-plantings/moss-basics

I've found The "kyoto moss spores" sold at bonsai shops mostly aren't viable. They've either been stored too long or in conditions that kill the spores. A much more reliable supply of moss spores can be obtained for free by gathering the tight blue/green/silver moss that grows on sidewalks and the like. You can dry it out, then grind it up in a blender and apply.

 

[goosetown]

Interesting. And yeah, I didn't have much faith in the spores to begin with, but I thought it worth a shot.

Muchas for the link!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

As for your first paragraph, I ask: what about alternatives to nature? On this matter, I have the unfortunate circumstance of living a) in a city and b) in a climate that's not exactly uber-friendly to moss. So sporing is likely my only way to go at the immediate. Is it possible to grow from spore right on the three's soil itself or is it a substantially better idea to grow it inside and transfer it?

Again, many thanks.

You're welcome. I can't really answer this because, like rockm and others; I also don't make any efforts to grow moss on my trees; I'll place it there if they're to be shown or photographed. I have never considered buying any spores because moss seems to be everywhere and free. If you go for a walk with a trowel, you might be pleasantly surprised...

You could try growing spores or whatever bits you collect on a tray, lined with a shallow layer of potting soil, and situated somewhere cool and humid.

 

[rockm]

Interesting article on propagating moss. It questions the acidic/poor soil arugments and a few other things, including the buttermilk slurry stuff.

http://www.mossandstonegardens.com/blog/the-truth-about-moss-dispelling-moss-myths/#comment-5815

The guy seems to know what he's talking about and I believe the unstable substrate thing is probably a big reason moss can't be grown effectively on bonsai soil...He recommends using sheets of moss to start.

 

[0soyoung]

I find it very difficult to get moss established on Turface. However, it seems to be because of how quickly the surface dries. A thin layer of something with small pores to retain water seems to work. In my case, I use a thin layer of smashed Hydroton beads (the interior of the beads is a hard black 'foam').

 

[fore]

I've gotten my moss off sidewalks and such as Brian mentioned. Growing in sunlight gives you the nicer, tight and dense moss. Mine flourishes in this soil that's very organic, sandy and just crappy looking soil. It hardly ever dries out. (just as rockm said too )

 

[Bill S]

If you can find it put it into something like an Anderson flat, lined w/ newspaper, or get the spores and put some (as said crappy sandy gravely soil) then the spores, keep in the sun and moist.

If you have some dried up put in a blender w/ some sand etc blend well and spread on above gravely sandand news paper.

I don't grow it, but have seen it, I usually have no problem finding plenty without looking hard at all.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I find it very difficult to get moss established on Turface.

I cannot get moss to grow on 100% Turface. But if I use organic fertilizer pellets (like composted chicken manure) the second the fertilizer breaks down and crusts on the surface of the Turface, I get moss like crazy.

 

[edprocoat]

Looking to find moss in a city? Look behind buildings where water drains from down spouts and gutters and around teh drains from air conditioning units. I grow moss on regular hobby felt easily, and you can start with the shape you want it to be in by cutting the felt to size then growing your moss on it. I always get the green felt, the stuff you or your kid gets in school to make projects with, I use green as it looks moss like to start off with but I am sure black or any color would work the same, it absorbs and holds water and moss will grow right over it. Just get a sheet, usually around $1 for a pre-cut square foot at a hobby store, gather a few pieces of moss and soak the felt until wet and press your moss onto it, keep it wet and it will spread. Remember you can't allow moss to dry out as it will harden up and die off.

ed

 

[goosetown]

Brilliant. Going to try giving this a shot. Many thanks.

Looking to find moss in a city? Look behind buildings where water drains from down spouts and gutters and around teh drains from air conditioning units. I grow moss on regular hobby felt easily, and you can start with the shape you want it to be in by cutting the felt to size then growing your moss on it. I always get the green felt, the stuff you or your kid gets in school to make projects with, I use green as it looks moss like to start off with but I am sure black or any color would work the same, it absorbs and holds water and moss will grow right over it. Just get a sheet, usually around $1 for a pre-cut square foot at a hobby store, gather a few pieces of moss and soak the felt until wet and press your moss onto it, keep it wet and it will spread. Remember you can't allow moss to dry out as it will harden up and die off.

ed

 

[october]

One point that was touched upon here was fungus and disease. It was mentioned in a capacity that it causes/contributes to these things. Which is true. However, in another capacity, you should be selective where you pic the moss from. If the moss you collect is growing on or near a tree/trees that have fungal diseases and pest infestations. If you take it home and put it on your trees, you will spread these problems to your trees. Also, chemical issues. You might want to stay away from moss that is growing in a place where chemicals or other substances are coming out of. Vents, drains and other like sources should be avoided. If you do collect moss, it might be a good idea to make sure that it looks healthy and also let it sit for awhile when you bring it home. All in all, when you start getting better trees and spending many years training them, you will do everything you can to keep them healthy. That is, applying moss for shows, keeping moss in check and removing moss before trees go into winter storage.

I hope this was helpful,
Rob

 

[goosetown]

Very helpful, and duly considered. What I was going to attempt first was growing spores on the felt, and then move on from there if that doesn't work. Luckily, I don't have to worry about winter storage where I am so there's an outside chance that moss can be a year-round compliment to the tree.

One point that was touched upon here was fungus and disease. It was mentioned in a capacity that it causes/contributes to these things. Which is true. However, in another capacity, you should be selective where you pic the moss from. If the moss you collect is growing on or near a tree/trees that have fungal diseases and pest infestations. If you take it home and put it on your trees, you will spread these problems to your trees. Also, chemical issues. You might want to stay away from moss that is growing in a place where chemicals or other substances are coming out of. Vents drains and other like sources should be avoided. If you do collect moss, it might be a good idea to make sure that it looks healthy and also let it sit for awhile when you bring it home. All in all, when you start getting better trees and spending many years training them, you will do everything you can to keep them healthy. That is, applying moss for shows, keeping moss in check and removing moss before trees go into winter storage.

I hope this was helpful,
Rob

 

[Eric Schrader]

I would suggest some sort of enclosure to retain humidity (like an inverted clear plastic box propped up slightly to allow some air movement over a flat of peat moss based potting mix) and water that does not contain chlorine, or any other salts/chemicals - per the discussion in the other thread that you started. Moss hates chlorine and chloramine and is probably more sensitive to salts than bonsai plants are.

Also - check out Timber Press's "Moss Gardening" title for more specific info - however you're probably fighting a losing battle in LA....better to go with the flow and grow succulents and drought-tolerant natives.

http://www.timberpress.com/books/moss_gardening/schenk/9780881923704

 

[FrankP999]

You can get felt at a fabric store very cheaply in several colors.

 

[aidan13]

Growing moss from spores is probably the hardest way to go. It is much easier to collect specimens and then plant them where you need them. Just look down; the stuff is everywhere.

Also, the above mentioned book is fantastic. I borrowed it from the library and found it to be a great read, and surprisingly entertaining as well. Unlike a lot of books by plant people for plant people, it never gets dry (much like its subject!).