Thanks Al, you rock.
Just for fun, here's some of that advanced bio stuff:
http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/Learning/whatis.htm#

pootsie

Hi Al,
Great thread, One thing I do when applying moss is to soak it in water for about half a hour, it helps to get a better fixing when applying and stops it drying out too quickly after it's applied. It also gives me piece of mind in case there are any unwelcome hitch hikers lurking.

Regards
Delboy

Al,

Do you keep a layer of moss growing around your trees at all times, or do you go through this routine prior to showing? I have a devil of a time keeping moss growing happily here during the summer (northern SF bay), and I would assume it's even harder where you are.

Brian

Excellent Al!

Exactly the type of information we could use more of.

I have some experience cultivating moss and I feel the need to offer a few words of warning and a few cultivation tips.

First, always be extremely careful when collecting moss for use on your bonsai. As the best moss to collect is that which is growing in full sun, some of the choicest places for collecting quality moss that can withstand the conditions in the typical bonsai environment are sidewalks, driveways and cobblestones. These are also the areas that get hit with herbicides, weed killers, oil, gas, salt and other chemicals. A good rinsing of the moss is always a good habit before placing on the soil of your bonsai.

Mosses do not have roots as we think of them. They get there nutrients from the air so chances are that the moss will not be contaminated with these chemicals per say but the soil that we lift with the moss may be and there may be particles lodged in the moss itself.

I cultivate moss for use on bonsai and for a moss garden that I keep. What I do is collect moss that strikes me as attractive and put it with some buttermilk or beer into a blender I keep just for this purpose. I blend it into a thick paste about the consistency of mortar and spread it on top of common red bricks. I place these bricks into 4” deep trays, fill the tray with water so it comes ½ way up the brick and place the tray under my growing benches. In about 2-3 weeks the moss is growing and as long as it is kept damp will continue to do so until I need it.

When I need moss I just lift a “sheet” off a brick and cut to size.

Be sure to label the blender “Garden Use Only.” To prevent serious mistakes with your next margarita, do not sneak it back into your wife’s cupboard.

Great article Al,

Will

Great info Al! I jave really enjoyed experimenting with mosses. I especially found the tip about using finely sifted soil helpful!

Will, I can't wait to try the blender trick!

Once again Al you have provided us with a great 'how-to' article...Thanks for that, and nice to have you back...I do like 'Smoke and mirrors' but it is just a bit more comfortable to have bonsaial around the forum...

I have also noticed a trend to not place the moss all the way to the edge of the pot and plan to make more use of that technique myself, however I think some trees just look better with a full surface covering with 'the water aquaducts' of course...Trees that give the illusion of being in a meadow or park I feel are better displayed with moss all the way to the edges...Trees that indicate a sparse or rough environment do seem to benefit from larger 'aquaducts' and large spaces between moss and pot edge...I believe this is apparent from the great examples you have posted...

I too have difficulty keeping moss alive durring the summer months here in south central Texas, especially on trees that have sparse foliage that doesn't provide shade for the pot...If anyone has suggestions on how to achieve this I for one would be very interested in hearing about them...

Thanks again for your efforts, and sharing your knowledge...This is one of the reasons this forum remains at the top...

Regards
Behr


Behr

It may have already been said, but for those you mention, try collecting mosses that are growing in full sun.

What happens to the moss when you need to do a repot or a soil change? Can it be collected and recycled or does it need to hit the compost heap?

Thanks for the instruction, I have been experimenting without much success.

Regards,
JP

Excellent Al
Very informative, lovely pics look forward to some more 'how to' articles . Regards Chris e