Will_Heath

Steve,

What is the purpose of the moss? Why do you have it growing in your bonsai pot?

Answering these two simple questions will reveal a lot.

Personally, I apply moss about a month before a show and remove it afterward. I use it for display purposes only and have yet to hear of another valid reason for using it.

It can and will trap moisture in your soil as it prevents evaporation. It can act as a shield, preventing a good watering. It can increase soil component breakdown and if you use a layer of fines to bed the moss in, these fines will work their way down into the soil, clogging valuable air spaces. It can also impede air being sucked into the soil when the water rushes out of the drainage holes. It can promote surface rooting giving you many fine roots where you do not want them. There are many disadvantages that far outweigh the advantages.

If you must keep moss growing in your bonsai, no more than 75% of the soil surface should be covered. Leave soil space between the moss pieces and do not let it grow all the way to the edge of the pot. It will look more natural like this and your bonsai will be happier.


Will