Grass instead of moss ?

D3rutat

i was wondering if i can use grass instead of moss? I understand that the main problem would be grass root length and the amount of nutrients it "steals" from the bonsai...But, isn't there a short root variety of grass that can be used

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Bonsai Club Romania

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Alasdair

I've seen grasses used as accent plants but never as ground cover. You've hit the nail on the head. The roots will grow very fast and take up all the space in the pot and such all the goodness out, not good for the tree. And it would have to be a very small variety to be in scale with even a large bonsai, only a few milimetres tall. But i'd be intrested to kow if anybody knows of a suitable grass species? Most people use moss to create the effect of grass.

Al

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I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

D3rutat

that's exactly what i was thinking of. As for the size of the leaves, they can be regulary pruned, so it shouldn't be such a problem. I asked this question because i find growing moss extremely difficult compared to growing grass...

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Bonsai Club Romania

Alasdair

Granted, you could cut the grass back in height, but its proportions would be completly wrong. Each blade of grass would end up being as wide as it is tall and i don't think you would be able to get the grass to grow close enough to each other to form a proper green carpet. What size bonsai do you grow? i suggest you take a look at other threads on mosses as there has been many a debate as to wether it should be on the bonsai at all times or just for show. It benefits some people and is a disadvantage to others.

Al

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I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

D3rutat

i grow from Shohin to Chiu (30-60 cm)...The main problem for me is that, even if the bonsai's are grown outdoors, the climate is too dry, and i can't keep moss alive for more than 2 weeks.... that's why i want to try grass instead

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Bonsai Club Romania

Alasdair

I don't know what to suggest. Short of getting some of that fabric that stops weed growing through, puting that on you're soil surface and laying a thin layer of turf on top. Do you need a ground cover for a specific reason, such as moisture conservation?

Al

__________________
I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

D3rutat

Yeah, something like that. The thing is that the moss doesn't remain moist enough, so it dries after a while...The solution would be to mist each tree's moss daily, but that's kinda impossible for me since i have a tight scheldue...I've found this on the internet: Ophiopogon Japonicus it's called kyoto dwarf grass...i'll try to see if i can find some at my local nurseries...Thanks a lot.

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Bonsai Club Romania

Alasdair

Take a look at this:
http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198500388.html

It says that this type of grass like moist conditions. Seeing aas your moss is dieing off because it is getting too dry this may be a more expensive attempt with the same mortality rate. It's going to be a challenge for you trying to find a low growing plant which can tollerate dry conditions, but i'm sure there is something. Your best bet would be to look around your neighbourhood and se what grows naturally in your conditions.

Al

__________________
I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

rockm

"that's exactly what i was thinking of. As for the size of the leaves, they can be regulary pruned, so it shouldn't be such a problem. I asked this question because i find growing moss extremely difficult compared to growing grass... "

What makes you think that drastically cutting the grass back is going to make it thrive in the container? Grass will simply not work in the conditions you've described, or artistically with a bonsai. Your container won't sustain moss. Grass is highly unlikely to survive either, it certainly wont' survive if you're cutting it back to get it in scale with the tree. That stresses out grass with established root systems in the ground. That treatment in a container will most likely kill it off completely.

Why worry about this at all? Unless your tree is dying, I'd just leave things be. You might even get a crop of moss that comes "voluntarily" without all the effort. You might find that less care and worry can often lead to some interesting things.