Drying moss and reusing it!!!

[The Surgeon]

I have just read the following passage in You too can grow Bonsai - Bonsai in Australia by Dorothy & Vita Koreshoff:

"Moss can be collected, allowed to dry, and sieved or broken up and stored until autumn. A few weeks after sprinkling it on top of your Bonsai pot, you will notice a green cover developing. Watering by soaking up for a week or two will prevent the spores being washed away."

I wasn't aware that you could dry moss out and reuse it. Has anyone tried this?

Does this increase the coverage of moss when you reapply it?

Is it really as easy as drying it out, braking it up and spinkling it back on the pot?

[Bretts]

Yep and another way is to mix it up with yogurt spread it on bricks keep damp and the moss will grow on thye brick ready to be used in carpet form whenever you like.

[The Surgeon]

Thanks Brett, I'm quite stunned.

For years now, whenever moss has 'died' (dryed out) I've thrown it out. Thanks again....all this time i have been thinking that I have committeed 'moss homicide' ....perhaps not the case. I feel so guilt free!

[Willows _FUD]

If you like to use moss then this definately is the way to go. After i have collected and dried it out, a cheap wire sieve or if you dont have that a small bit of shadecloth will even do just so you can break it up ( seperates any undersireables as well ).

I then keep it in old plastic takeaway containers and store it in a shed, so as long as moisture cannot get to it you can store it in whatever is at your disposal, then when you ever need Moss (year round), sprinkle it on or around where you want it, then wet it gradually with a fine mist spray so you dont wash it off until its soaked, a couple of weeks later, you then have a natural looking mossy cover.

[bonscythe]

Does this work for all mosses?
I read this in the same book last month and was curious as to whether this tech. would work with the thicker mosses as opposed to the fine velvet like mosses?
I have found some great species, some of which look like thick long-weived carpet with fern-like serrated margins. Don't want to dry it out if it won't survive!

[Woz]

to Bonscythe,
yes this technique should work with all mosses as they are a 'spore-ing' plant, even dreied spagnum moss will gain life again after consistant mositure. I've grabbed a few sheets of mosses from various parts of the countryside some even quite high altitude "1600m" and brought them back to brisbane and had them continue growing or if they have dried out used this technique and as long as they get watered regularly they spring to life.

[bodhidharma]

To add to Bretts idea i put some yoghurt(full cream is best) in my misting spray and spray it on seedling trays with sand or potting mix in it. Do that for a while and you will get moss ready to put on your tree. I dont know if it is only Victoria but it is better to take your moss of in winter as it can suffocate the tree, or some trees,

[shibui]

I've tried a few times over the years but couldn't get any results with dried moss so I stick to using pads of collected moss.

[Gary Bee]

Brett's got the right idea, the yoghurt of even full cream milk is supposed to be the go.

Apart from porous sandstone or bricks, you can drape a length of hessian or calico over the rocks on the edge with only a small bit in the fishpond and the water will rise through capillary action to keep the material damp, then spray with the yoghurt/full cream milk mixture.

I use a vitamiser to mix dried chunks of moss with the yoghurt mix. When the Mrs is not home of course
Gary

[Pup]

I have found these methods to work very well. I do have a question for any one that can answer it for me.

One curious fact I have found, some moss grows on my benches in certain areas which is great when I need it.
Now what puzzles me is when I collect from the end of the bench where it is growing vertically.

I gather it put it on the surface it does not grow, but if I put it on a surface that is vertical or like a rather steep hill it grows . It is the same variety of moss.
There is also a moss that grows on roof tiles that survives the summer growing. It is grey in colour it will grow on native tree soil in the pots, but not with exotics
Both types of tree are in the same mix
Any one Pup

[Japh]

You've managed to grow intelligent and fussy moss... good work

[Pup]

You've managed to grow intelligent and fussy moss... good work

[bodhidharma]

It sounds to me like a drainage thing Pup. When the moss is lying horizontal.it might drown, but when it is vertical the water underneath can get away?

[mick]

Hi all.

What method do you use to seperate the dirt that the moss is growing in, from the actuall moss

I know you say to use a fine sieve, but wouldnt the soil go through the seive as well?
I have a lot of moss growing in my back yard, but once summer gets here the sun will be in the spot and the moss is gone. I am going to try this on the weekend. When you dry it out, if I just leave it in the sun will that harm the moss? Or is this the method of drying.

Cheers
Mick

[Pup]

When you sift it you get a fine soil mixed with the moss, a bit like sowing seed. It is actually squashed by your hand though the mesh.
Spread the soil and moss on the sieve then gently rub your hand over the soil and moss.
You then have a fine soil mix with moss spores. That is what you place over your pot surface, not the whole surface though.
That is why you are advised to use a light spray, with a spray bottle, or water by soaking so the water comes up from the bottom till it is established.

I hope this of help Pup