Watering when there's moss?

[dani]

This might be a stupid question but how do you know when a tree needs watering when there's a moss on top of it?

 

[0soyoung]

What happens to the foliage on a tree when the substrate is dry?

Ans.: the foliage droops​

What happens to moss when it is dry?

Ans.: its looses its color. it gets stiff/brittle​

It all boils down to having excellent drainage and watering to keep the moss green (not in full sun). It isn't difficult once you've learned to properly water your trees in pots without moss (obviously it is helpful to use the same substrate in both situations).

 

[dani]

What happens to the foliage on a tree when the substrate is dry?

Ans.: the foliage droops​

What happens to moss when it is dry?

Ans.: its looses its color. it gets stiff/brittle​

It all boils down to having excellent drainage and watering to keep the moss green (not in full sun). It isn't difficult once you've learned to properly water your trees in pots without moss (obviously it is helpful to use the same substrate in both situations).

I do use the same substrate but it’s a bit harder because you don’t actually see the soil and you can’t really dip your finger in the soil to see if it needs watering or not.

 

[Giga]

also time, when you do it for years on end you develop a 2nd sense, practice, practice, practice. First learn what and when needs water then practice.

 

[Anthony]

Is it exhibition time ?
Why is there moss on top ?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Mike Corazzi]

I saw some fake moss pads at a local nursery. Thought it was "starter" moss, but it is just for looks and is like a dry thin carpet.
Quick way to make it LOOK like there's moss.

 

[Japonicus]

Could you post pictures of the said pot/moss?
Practice it is, but in the meantime, while practicing,
would It be feasible to remove some moss exposing a “sight glass”?

 

[Underdog]

chop stick

 

[0soyoung]

Is it exhibition time ?
Why is there moss on top ?

Ever make/have a rock/slab planting?

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Cut some short pieces of chopstick and poke them in the “soil” and leave it there long enough to reach equilibrium with the soil. To check for soil wetness pull the chopstick out and hold it against a finger. The chopstick will have about the same moisture content as the soil. After checking stick it back in the soil.

 

[Tieball]

Is it exhibition time ?
Why is there moss on top ?
Good Day
Anthony

Good point. I like to avoid moss....I favor more, better, air circulation opportunities.....tree breathing I guess.

 

[sorce]

There's a lot of Straight Bullshit about water, watering, moss, and soil out there!

Hell....in here!

All you have to do is use 8822 and water mindlessly every morning above freezing when outside......

And every day mindlessly when indoors.


I'm leaving that tree on the left, and another, standing in water in that blue lidded Rubbermaid tub there for the next two days while I'm out of town. (And there is still someone here with a .45 a shotgun and no watering skills!)

If completely necessary, I'd be happy to update Monday, again later in the year, and after everytime I do this and it works in the future.......

But it has already worked in the past!

Outdoors too!

Water when wet, water when wet.

Sorce

 

[sorce]

If thinking about it, or checking, takes longer than watering....
Water!

Sorce

 

[dani]

chop stick

That actually wonderful idea. Didn't even cross my mind! Thank you

 

[dani]

For those asking about a photo of the moss.