AusBonsai

Hello...Does anyone add mycorrhizal fungi to their potting mix when potting up? I see that you can purchase this as an additive. I have ordered a couple bags on ebay from the States half expecting it to get held up at customs - but you never know...I find after a google search that a product is available here called MycoGold. Does anyone know if this is available from any nurseries or does one have to order straight from the supplier?
Also keen on purchasing "Kyoto Moss Spores"...again, not sure how this would go through customs..!! I've been collecting and trying different moss but this Kyoto Moss does sound nice...don't suppose anyone has had any luck getting this into the country and given it a go..?!?..
cheers, Rob..

I know that the Fungi is in JBP, JRP and JWP pine soil which is beneficial to the pines soil etc... but I do not know if the fungi would have any benefits towards other plants.
Then again buying Fungi or Moss outside Australia is a big risk since customs can cease them and destroy them before it gets to your door

I grow a lot of pines but have never added mycorrhiza to potting mix. There is always some on the roots of the pines and it just grows again in the new pot. It is also able to transport itself. Seedlings and cuttings that have no mycorrhiza initially have plenty after a couple of months in my area.
I believe that mycorrhiza is not really essential to trees. The relationship has evolved in areas of poor soil to help both feed themselves but when we supply adequate nutrients the trees no longer need the fungi to break down nutrients - it is all supplied by fertiliser.

A Sydney company has recently set up to investigate the best varieties of mycorrhiza that will give maximum growth rates for JBP and JRP with a view to providing commercial supply. Don't think they are up to release stage yet but you might be able to get some information from:
THOMAS ROGERSON
Red Pine Laboratories
T: 0428 145 356
E: trog7315@uni.sydney.edu.au

Plenty of really nice native mosses already here so no real need to import what may become another pest species.

shibui wrote:...
Plenty of really nice native mosses already here so no real need to import what may become another pest species.

So, where do you get it from - I mean, if it doesn't grow in your back yard. I'm looking for some that can handle the Hedland weather!


Cheers
Elmar

So, where do you get it from - I mean, if it doesn't grow in your back yard. I'm looking for some that can handle the Hedland weather!

You may have some trouble sourcing a moss that will cope with your climate Elmar. I sincerely doubt that Kyoto moss will thrive in your backyard.
I source moss wherever I can. Always looking out for patches that might be useful. Places i have found good are: concrete bridges (there was some nice silvery moss on the bridges on Hume Hwy at Wangaratta but the maintenance crews cleaned most off last year ); also look around shopping centres, schools, railway stations, etc - especially the south side of buildings and narrow walkways between buildings where the sun doesn't shine very much. I get really good moss from the gutters in town. Moss seems to like concrete and bitumen surfaces, especially if it has some cracks and is shaded a lot of the time.

So... find a cool, shady spot in Hedland and you'll be able to get as much moss as you need..
Note that many growers are not using moss on bonsai at all. Many have so much trouble with blackbirds they give up trying, others just find that conditions are not right and moss just won't grow properly. Coarse sand and gravel make very good alternative toppings and may be even more appropriate than moss for Aussie species.