How to grow moss

CinciBonsai

I would like to start growing some moss around my trees to give it that natural look, the 2 maple I purchased had moss growing when they arrived and it slowly lost its green color. Could it be winter setting in or will this moss continue to grow thru very cold conditions. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks Kevin.

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bonsaikc

Cinci, it's a truism in bonsai that you can grow moss or trees, but not both, in the same pot. Someone will always come along to disprove that, but the fact is that most moss likes more water and finer soil than what the tree you are trying to grow it around can handle. The trees you see on display in Bonsai Today magazine and on the web from international shows, have been carefully mossed before the photograph, and the moss will probably be put back in its tray after.

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CinciBonsai

Ok, the place I purchased these trees from told me that it grows naturally on the soil.

Vance Wood

I don't have any problems with moss either growing or its affects on a tree. The trick is to get a strain started that is sturdy to drier and more exposed conditions than most moss is. This kind of moss can be found growing usually on brick walk ways and next to buildings. It is very light tolerant.

In my opinion and from my own experience the proverb that you can grow moss or you can grow trees is an "Old Wives Tale" for the most part. If you follow the above in the selection of moss you can do it. There are some conditions that need to be met and some things you need to do here is a link that might help.

http://www.knowledgeofbonsai.org/misc/moss.php

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The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa

aw2509

I actually have a hard time keeping moss from growing around my trees. Even this summer with very hot temps there was new moss growing on the trees under my shade cloth. Obviously the shade was a contributing factor.
Usually I keep it under control on most of mine, but this past spring after repotting, I decided to just let it grow on a few and see how it looked.

I wouldn't necessarily take these as good examples, as it isn't really a good thing to have as much moss as these have growing on them (i.e. the entire pot). This coming spring I will clean alot of it off. I think it is kind of nice during the winter months to add a little color to the landscape.

Also, there are other ways to get moss to grow where you want it. You can whip up a 'moss milkshake' and make moss grow where ever you pour it. Though I dont know that I would necessarily recommend pouring it directly on the soil of your trees.

dried moss + buttermilk + blender = moss milkshake.

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bonsaikc

Who you callin' and old wife?

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Vance Wood

That story about Moss and trees did not originate with you Chris, it has been around for years and it simply is not true in most cases.....it does depend on a good soil, the right moss and a certain amount of environmental humidity. There are those in the South West that probably will never be able to grow moss except in the winter because the humidity is so low. In Oregon you almost cannot get rid of the stuff because the humidity is so high most of the time.

I have moss on most of my trees except those I removed it from because it was getting too thick and funky looking. I have had moss growing on some of my trees for more than thirty years. It is not a temporary element as far as I am concerned even though it has to be removed from time to time to allow it to refresh itself. It will regrow from the air born spores from the other trees I left the moss on.

By the way: Merry Christmas every one.

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The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa

bonsaikc

You are exactly right about the Pacific Northwest. I have seen moss growing on asphalt curb in parking lots!

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