Moss for bonsai

[john n]

Try the potplant bench/ stands at bunnings or justabout any established plant shop.also the southern face of old buildings. then try to create an invironment that the moss likes .'' nature allows things to grow where ever she wants''

[Pup]

not sure if i beleive that moss growing up a wall wont grow flat. i have taken a lot of moss off walls and used it and i have never lost any moss yet

After two years that is a positive eh.

Not sure if I'm just confused, but I have seen moss grow on a flat, then grow up an incline to vertical. I know there are types of moss that will only grow on flat and there are types of moss that will only grow on vertical, but then there are types which will grow on both. Just from what I have observed.

From my observations over the years, I have had moss grow along the boards and then down the end. So we have one part growing flat and one part growing vertical.
On needing moss for rock plantings,( saikei ) I have taken them off said board. Planted them in the saikei on a slight rise and flat.
The moss from the flat area survived and flourished. While the moss from the verticle died not go dormant died. Both recieved the same treatment.
I have tried this a few times, which has led me too the conclusion I have stated. Over a 10 year period of trying it has not worked for more than, about a 6 month period.
However seeing as there are more types of moss than you can poke a stick, at there might be one, that I do not have that does work as you say.

[Tony Bebb]

Hey Emoska

An extra tip if you are transplanting moss is to not only wash as much of the original soil of the moss and place on wet soil, but also 'tuck it in' around the edges so it does not lift if it gets dry. Once the air gets under it, it is as good as dead.

Tony

[Mitchell]

I know what you mean Pup. I follow the rule, if it's going on a flat surface, I collect from a flat surface. Like you said many types survive for a while, then die off.

[Beaumatsu]

your moss is probable dying because you havent scratched the original dirt of and then you push it down not hard but with pressure and under your moss you could put a bit of wet spagnum moss to help ohh and dont let any fertlisers (pellet ones like the little balls things) touch the moss it will kill the moss.

beaumatsu

[Kyushu Danji]

Surely you cannot keep moss alive long term indoors because of the dry air inside the home? If it were too moist inside, not only would moss grow on your bonsai, but other bacteria might start developing.

[Kyushu Danji]

Surely you cannot keep moss alive long term indoors because of the dry air inside the home? If it were too moist inside, not only would moss grow on your bonsai, but other bacteria might start developing.

sorry..posted twice

[Joel]

not sure if i beleive that moss growing up a wall wont grow flat. i have taken a lot of moss off walls and used it and i have never lost any moss yet

After two years that is a positive eh.

Not sure if I'm just confused, but I have seen moss grow on a flat, then grow up an incline to vertical. I know there are types of moss that will only grow on flat and there are types of moss that will only grow on vertical, but then there are types which will grow on both. Just from what I have observed.

That's true Mitchell. Most don't mind.

Interestingly, dead moss also makes a good substrate for growing a different species of moss. So it is also possible the one transplanted died as another took over without it appearing any different.

Joel.