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Chapter 3

Care and Maintenance

Take Good Care of Your Moss

“The moss was green but now it’s gone a different color and it doesn’t look right.”

“I kept it indoors and it dried out and died.”

These are the sorts of mistakes we often hear from people who have tried growing moss. To avoid making similar errors, make sure you know the correct methods to maintain moss and keep it looking attractive.

How to Maintain Moss

Have you obtained some moss with a view to growing it yourself, but you are not really sure how to look after it? In order to keep living moss in good condition, it is important to know some maintenance techniques.

How to Obtain Moss

Moss can be obtained by gathering it from outdoors or by purchasing it. You can find it in gardening stores and in large home improvement centers. It is also sold online.

When choosing moss, the most important thing is finding one you like. Keep in mind that some mosses will not be suitable for certain environments. Moreover, different types of moss have different characteristics, for example, some love sunlight and are fine in dry conditions, whereas others prefer shade and humid environments. How you care for the moss depends on these characteristics.

Once you discover a moss that you like, make sure you find out about its characteristics before you take it home with you. Consider the needs of the moss, the environment in which you live and how you will take care of it.

MOSS KNOWLEDGE IN THIS CHAPTER

① How to select and obtain moss

② When and how to water

③ The best locations for moss

MOSS TIPS

☑ Purchasing at a store is a sure thing

There are other means of obtaining moss, but we suggest buying it at a store where you can get advice on it.

☑ Choose moss to match your environment

Some mosses are not suitable for certain environments. Choose a moss that you like from among the types that are suitable for your environment.

☑ Know its needs

Looking after moss depends on its particular characteristics. Lack of knowledge about its care is the main reason moss dies.

Tools for Maintaining Moss

The items required for looking after moss differ depending on how it has been shaped. These are some basic tools for maintenance.

A spray bottle is essential for watering moss bonsai. For moss bonsai in large pots, a watering can with a shower head spout is more suitable.

When applying moss to surfaces or removing weeds from pots, use pincers or tweezers. Some types have a spatula attached. A spatula is handy when establishing moss or attaching it to a surface, as the flat head can be used to press the moss in place.

Scissors are useful for trimming the leaves of moss and cutting off plant branches.

A trowel is good for transferring soil into pots.

Gloves will prevent your hands from getting dirty.

Pincers with spatula attached

For attaching moss to surfaces and removing dead sections of plant matter. The spatula can be used for smoothing soil.

Spray bottle

For watering moss and raising the level of humidity. A nozzle that can deliver a fine mist is recommended.

Scissors

For cutting off dead leaves and tidying up overgrown branches. Choose sharp scissors that will cut cleanly.

Fertilizer and Revitalizing Agent

Moss does not need fertilizer, but the plants growing inside kokedama and in moss bonsai do. Fertilizer supplies nutrients necessary for root and leaf development and for bringing flowers into bloom. As such, it should be given to plants during the vigorous growth periods of fall and spring. There are various kinds of fertilizer, such as the type that is placed on top of the soil of potted plants or the type that is diluted in water, so make sure to use a suitable type and follow the instructions regarding the amount to use.

Note that if fertilizer is given to plants during periods when they are not at their full strength, such as in the heat of midsummer or in winter when their systems are dormant, it can weaken them. When using surface fertilizer on plants growing inside kokedama or moss bonsai, avoid placing it directly on the moss. Place it on the soil instead. For liquid fertilizer, make sure the concentration is correct as well as the frequency of application. If your plants are not looking healthy, use some revitalizing agent as this will boost their resilience.

Watch Out!

Do not put fertilizer on moss

Moss does not require fertilizer. Applying a high concentration of fertilizer will make moss turn brown and may even kill it.

Dilute in water and apply with a spray bottle or watering can or by dipping the plant in the solution.

MOSS TIPS

☑ A few items are all you need for maintenance

When looking after moss, you do not need any special tools. Basic items such as scissors are useful for maintaining kokedama and moss bonsai.

☑When to fertilize

It is best to fertilize the plants growing inside kokedama or moss bonsai during periods of growth, such as spring and fall.

☑The difference between fertilizer and revitalizing agent

Fertilizer provides nutrients to healthy plants, whereas a revitalizing agent should be thought of as a supplement for plants when they are not at their best.

☑Moss does not need fertilizer!

Fertilizer can actually damage moss. If moss is not looking healthy, move it to a different location or give it some water.

☑Fertilizing plants inside kokedama and moss bonsai

Fertilizer for plants is too strong for moss, so when treating plants avoid getting the fertilizer on the moss.

When to Water

Have you ever noticed that after the mist rises in the early morning or after a shower of rain, moss growing at the side of the road looks extremely vibrant, but on a different day the same moss might look rather black?

Moss does not have a root system. The only way it can store water is through its leaves, so if the air is dry it closes its leaves and curls up in an attempt to prevent life-sustaining moisture from evaporating and to avoid getting sunburned. Depending on the type of moss, the tips of the leaves may become dry and frizzy.

When moss starts to look like dry and frizzy, this is the best time to water it. Use a spray bottle to make sure the entire body of moss is moistened with mist. Once moss is wet, it will open up its leaves and become green again.

Other kinds of moss turn white when they are losing moisture. This is a sign that the moss is becoming dormant.

During spring and fall, you should water moss once a day, while in summer you need to water twice a day. In winter, once every 2–3 days is enough. Make sure not to over water. If the moss feels damp, watering is not required.

Avoid watering during the heat of the day, especially in summer when temperatures and humidity levels are at their highest. In summer, you also need to look out for mold, which is due to poor air circulation. The best times to water are in the morning and in the cool of the evening. The method and timing for watering will also depend on the form of the moss, for example, whether it is a kokedama or a bonsai.

Moss starts to fade and feels dry to the touch.

Moss turns a deeper green and feels moist.

How to Water

THE SOAKING METHOD

There are two ways of soaking kokedama in water. The first is to dip the dry kokedama into a bucket or bowl full of water. Hold the kokedama in the water until it stops releasing bubbles, then remove it and lightly dry it off before placing it on a platter or in a bowl. The second method involves allowing the kokedama to take in water through its roots. Place the kokedama in a container with a small amount of water, making sure it is not completely covered.

MISTING

This method is suitable for moss and kokedama as well as small sections of moss within bonsai arrangements. Place the kokedama, moss bonsai etc. on a plate or similar surface and spray until the mist has been absorbed into the soil.

WATERING CAN

For moss bonsai hosting plants or for large areas of moss where misting is insufficient, a watering can with a shower nozzle is recommended. Water thoroughly all over to make sure no dry patches are left.

Once the kokedama has stopped releasing bubbles, it is a sign that water has soaked through to the soil.

MOSS TIPS

☑ It dries out easily

As moss lacks roots, the only place it can store water is in its leaves. Therefore, it dries out very quickly in windy places. It grows by taking in water, which spreads to its leaves.