To moss or not to moss?

delboy · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:35 am Post subject: To moss or not to moss?

Hi everyone, as a novice i've been doing a fair amount of reading lately and have come across a bit of a problem. In most books i've read they say that it is fine and also useful to cover or partly cover the soil with Moss after potting or repotting. However in some books they contradict that and say only when "showing" should soil be covered because the moss uses up valuable nutrients in the soil. I tend to think that it won't matter that much if you are feeding your trees regularly. I would be very interested to know what you think about this. I don't show my trees and am a very long way off that stage but i do think trees look a lot more appealing with the moss than without it. Thanks in advance for any comments and advice. Delboy

daryl · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:42 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

In my opinion, if you are not showing your trees then it is down to personal preference.

Confused

BUT.......
if you type MOSS into the search facility on this forum you will find that there is some interesting differences of opinion. You might have just re-opened a can of worms with that question!!!! Laughing

Daryl

Stymie · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

I'll dip my oar in before Dick blows me out of the water. I like to see some moss on my medium surfaces during the summer but don't allow it to cover all over. Around the end of September I remove it because it might be a hiding place for unwelcome guests to over-winter. The spontaneous appearance of moss is less likely to occur with our tendency to use inorganic mixes so it may have to be introduced where required.

Dick · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 2:46 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

I always say that you need to ask yourself a critical question. Do you want to grow moss well, or do you want to grow a bonsai tree well? The answer to that question will help you to know all there is to know about the use of moss as a soil covering.

O-O-O-O-M-M-M-M-M. Calm and serenity! (as difficult as that is right now)

mo's bonsai · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:15 am Post subject: To moss or not to moss?

Worms, worms, worms! You sure did open a can of worms.

I personally like the touch of moss as a bonsai enhancer. Just remember that moss not only uses up the nutrients in feeding and can over take the whole pot but if controlled and carefully added can keep your well draining soil moist. Lets face it moss is nice to look at. real trees in dirt aren't as a pealing as with grass all around it and I think the same goes with bonsai. But another major player in bonsai is the soil and the nebari. Your soil and nebari may be a defining subject in the style and look of your tree such as where the nebari extends from the main trunk and where it dives down into the soil and if you have moss covering it all up you won't be able to see that beauty of your bonsai. That's why using moss is or at least should be a styling technique because if used in the wrong place could ruin the look you were aiming for, cover up your hard work or kill your tree. Those are my worms.

Sorry Dick, but I am pro-moss. Very Happy

Mo

Dick · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:21 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

You can be a pro-mosser. That's fine with me. But remember that when you grow moss well, no matter how much of it is on the soil, even if it is judiciously placed there, then the soil is wetter than necessary and not good for the tree's roots And if all you do is put it around the feet of the tree (read nebari) to enhance the look, then when it grows up the bark and under the bark into the cambium and harbors critters and possible killing fungi, then you will never have to worry about the health of the tree again. You can admire the tree in a permanent "winter style" - all dead and leafless.

For those who just have to have moss, I recommend that they use it when they are showing a tree only. It does have an aesthetic property. But then I also recommend that they remove it once the show is over to let the soil breath as it should.

O-O-O-M-M-M-M

Stymie · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:02 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

What did I tell you? Rolling Eyes

In retalliation, I have to say that I have never heard of moss killing a bonsai. It might harbour unwelcome insects but we are far too vigilant to let any harm come to our beloved. Look out, he's going to say O-O-O-M-M-M-M! again.

Dick · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:34 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

It not only harbors unwanted critters, but it can also harbor fungal spores such as rust which can kill the cambium over the winter months without any sign of a problem in the fall.

And yes, how did you know....

O-O-O-M-M-M-M-M....peace and tranquility.

yamadorinige · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 11:35 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 11:27 am Post subject: Re: To moss or not to moss?

---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

Yes I think we all know what moss is but is it wise to put moss on the soil surface, and if so should it be left there as a permanent addition?[/quote]