jomawa
Shohin
Am bothered by a statement found in my bonsai researching, that moss blocks oxygen. Context of the statement specifically was "covering the soil with moss" vs leaving the soil uncovered for a free transfer of oxygen, not anything to do with moss's water holding capability.
Since I am doing air layering this spring and had planned on using a moss wrap on vine maples, (this area has moss hanging from trees like the rain forest, so I'm able to peel a six inch wide blanket of moss to wrap my air layer). The idea of "oxygen block" brought me up short, and got me thinking whether it would be better/best to use pumice "wrap", which we also have an ample supply of. Sooo, that's my dilema. Trying to balance the idea of wrapping with moss (as recommended specifically for a different issue, that being for the purpose of its moisture holding capability) vs using pumice wrap (but pumice may dry/faster --- pumice is also in great supply here). I realize the answer may be found only on an academic level discussing atoms and molecules, but??? Also, due to the abundance of moss, have started covering trees in training with moss, specifically for blocking evaporation, (not likely while it's raining 24/7, 387 days a year, except in the summer). Now I'm left speculating just how much of an issue "moss blocks oxygen" is? Air layer with moss or pumice wrap? Leave existing plant's soil covered with moss or uncover?
Since I am doing air layering this spring and had planned on using a moss wrap on vine maples, (this area has moss hanging from trees like the rain forest, so I'm able to peel a six inch wide blanket of moss to wrap my air layer). The idea of "oxygen block" brought me up short, and got me thinking whether it would be better/best to use pumice "wrap", which we also have an ample supply of. Sooo, that's my dilema. Trying to balance the idea of wrapping with moss (as recommended specifically for a different issue, that being for the purpose of its moisture holding capability) vs using pumice wrap (but pumice may dry/faster --- pumice is also in great supply here). I realize the answer may be found only on an academic level discussing atoms and molecules, but??? Also, due to the abundance of moss, have started covering trees in training with moss, specifically for blocking evaporation, (not likely while it's raining 24/7, 387 days a year, except in the summer). Now I'm left speculating just how much of an issue "moss blocks oxygen" is? Air layer with moss or pumice wrap? Leave existing plant's soil covered with moss or uncover?