From: John Roberts <jwr4@cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: MOSS IN BONSAI POTS
Date: 7 Sep 1993 16:19:44 GMT

Rufty, CR11024@CONRAD.APPSTATE.EDU writes:

> Question: In different books I have read about bonsai, some mention
> the importance of moss on the soil in the pot.  My juniper came with
> beautiful emerald-green moss - I don't know the species - but it has
> been largely "washed out" by the heavy rains of the area (North
> Carolina) and I'm having difficulty getting it started again.  How
> important is the moss, and what would you recommend I do??

Moss serves two important functions.
One function is function, the other decorative:

1.  It covers the soil and prevents soil loss.  A word of caution is
needed here.  IF you are going to grow moss along with your bonsai
specimens, the moss must NEVER be allowed to become dry.  The water
will roll off the moss cover and very little to none will penetrate
the soil.  Once the moss has become dry, it is most difficult to rewet
it (submerge the pot in water).  Remove the moss before winter.

2.  Grass grows under trees.  The moss provides the green backdrop and
various textures that give the "finished" product pizzazz.

Moss can be cultivated or gathered.  The latter will be addressed first.

Mosses (actually a conglomeration of a variety of plant species)
thrive in areas that are, at least during some period of thier life
cycle, wet.  Be cautious and avoid moss growing along streams and
other constantly wet areas.  These mosses will not survive the drier
conditions of bonsai containers.  Best mosses are found inbetween rock
crevices, lowland areas that have moist (not wet) soils.

Moss can be cultivated by gathering "fruiting" mosses.  Moss plants
produce their spores on elongated, hair-like extensions.  Gather the
moss when these "sporophores" are yellow to brown in color.  Gather
some soil along with the moss and mix the two together.  Place the
soil/moxx mix in a seeding flat and give it a good watering.  The
spores will them germinate and produce more moss in due time.  The
soil must be kept moist to insure adequate germination.

Have fun.