Spanish Moss on Chinese Elm

[scbonsaiguy]

A friend of mine gave me a Chinese Elm bonsai that was in decent health but had a large amount of Spanish moss all over the branches. I removed, as delicately as possible, most of the Spanish moss by hand then moved to a soft bristled brush to go after the more stubborn areas. I did this about a month ago and I am starting to see some slowly resurface. Has anyone encountered this on bonsai? What did you use to get rid of it? I’ve researched and found all sorts of concoctions from copper sulfate to lime sulphur to baking soda to gasoline and a match! J Any ideas?

 

[choppychoppy]

A friend of mine gave me a Chinese Elm bonsai that was in decent health but had a large amount of Spanish moss all over the branches. I removed, as delicately as possible, most of the Spanish moss by hand then moved to a soft bristled brush to go after the more stubborn areas. I did this about a month ago and I am starting to see some slowly resurface. Has anyone encountered this on bonsai? What did you use to get rid of it? I’ve researched and found all sorts of concoctions from copper sulfate to lime sulphur to baking soda to gasoline and a match! J Any ideas?

Whatever you're describing isn't Spanish moss, so we need to see a picture.

 

[rockm]

If it is Spanish moss--

Spanish Moss Removal: Treatment For Trees With Spanish Moss

Spanish moss, while commonplace in the southern landscape, has a reputation for having a love/hate relationship among homeowners. If you are one of the haters looking for ways to get rid of it, then this article should help.

www.gardeningknowhow.com

Amazon.com: Wet and Forget 800003 Wet And Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Wet and Forget 800003 Wet And Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[scbonsaiguy]

Its definitly Spanish moss.

I came across that product during some research I was doing. Have you used it or used anything for removal?


The photos are before I brushed the majority of it off.

 

[rockm]

Its definitly Spanish moss.

I came across that product during some research I was doing. Have you used it or used anything for removal?
View attachment 247970View attachment 247971

The photos are before I brushed the majority of it off.

While there is some Spanish moss in there, this looks to be primarily lichen. Lichen is harmless and can actually be desirable on a tree. Haven't tried the stuff I posted. I don't have an issue with Spanish Moss here in Va. Too cold for it. If I were you, I wouldn't try anything drastic with any of this. The "cure" may be worse than the lichen and moss themselves.

Neither the Spanish moss or the lichen will harm your tree.

ENH1224/EP485: Spanish Moss, Ball Moss, and Lichens - Harmless Epiphytes

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

edis.ifas.ufl.edu

 

[penumbra]

I love lichen on my trees and would never dream of removing it. But I never have lichen growth as heavy as shown here. If I did I might feel differently.

 

[BonsaiMatt]

Usually a sign of clean air, used as a bio indicator for certain pollutants. Breathe deep my friend.

 

[just.wing.it]

Usually I'm likin' the lichen.....if removal is desired, water and toothbrush shoud do ok.

 

[scbonsaiguy]

I usually don't mind lichen on my trees but this one has gotten a bit out of hand. The only thing that was concerning me was the spanish moss. As mentioned, I've removed a good portion with a brush and it looks much better...will have to post a pic.

More info on this elm, when it was given to me, it was in poor health and had a lot of dead branches and the soil was less than ideal and was very pot bound. I did an emergency repot and found about half of the roots were rotten (nice and mushy with a sour smell) I salvaged as many viable roots as possible. It is now is a much faster draining soil and I'm waiting to see if it recovers. Fingers crossed!

 

[penumbra]

Best of luck. Elms are really tough and it could make it.

 

[rockm]

I usually don't mind lichen on my trees but this one has gotten a bit out of hand. The only thing that was concerning me was the spanish moss. As mentioned, I've removed a good portion with a brush and it looks much better...will have to post a pic.

More info on this elm, when it was given to me, it was in poor health and had a lot of dead branches and the soil was less than ideal and was very pot bound. I did an emergency repot and found about half of the roots were rotten (nice and mushy with a sour smell) I salvaged as many viable roots as possible. It is now is a much faster draining soil and I'm waiting to see if it recovers. Fingers crossed!

That the tree is weak is a considerable contributor to the moss and lichen growth. The crown of the tree is thin on foliage, which has allowed space for the lichen and moss to grow. They are not the cause of the tree's weakness they are an indicator of other trouble. The root rot is to blame. Clear that up and the top will probably push more foliage and inhibit the moss and lichen.

 

[scbonsaiguy]

That the tree is weak is a considerable contributor to the moss and lichen growth. The crown of the tree is thin on foliage, which has allowed space for the lichen and moss to grow. They are not the cause of the tree's weakness they are an indicator of other trouble. The root rot is to blame. Clear that up and the top will probably push more foliage and inhibit the moss and lichen.

Agreed rockm...root rot problem has been tackled along with removing any dead branches. Its a waiting game now. I'll post a pic when I get home this evening that way we can see any progress over time.

 

[rockm]

Usually a sign of clean air, used as a bio indicator for certain pollutants. Breathe deep my friend.

it is and it isn't. In the south and deep south, it's mostly the humidity, not really air quality. I've seen dense Spanish moss growth on trees near refineries and chemical plants in East Texas, near bayous.

 

[BonsaiMatt]

it is and it isn't. In the south and deep south, it's mostly the humidity, not really air quality. I've seen dense Spanish moss growth on trees near refineries and chemical plants in East Texas, near bayous.

Here's a review of the topic if you're interested, pretty cool stuff.

Biological monitoring: lichens as bioindicators of air pollution assessment — a review

Often as part of environmental impact studies and, above all, to obtain authorisations in accordance with prescriptions from the Ministry for the Envi…

www.sciencedirect.com