What is moss?
From BonsaiWIKI
Contents |
Moss Defined
Mosses are tiny plants called bryophytes that thrive in moist areas. Moss is sometimes used as a groundcover on the surface of bonsai soil, creating a rich, green carpet that suggests grass. Moss is different from liverwort or hornwort because the structure of the moss plant is divided into miniature stems and leaves.
Moss Reproduction
Moss reproduces from spores. Moss has the following positive and negative qualities when grown for bonsai:
Moss Advantages
On the advantage side, it can help to hold the bonsai soil in place and prevent it from washing out of the container. Moss can increase the water retention capability of the soil by slowing evaporation.
Moss Disadvantages
On the disadvantage side, a thick carpet of moss can reduce the diffusion of gases into the soil and to the roots, which can result in root rot or poor drainage conditions. Moss can grow up onto the surface roots and trunk of your bonsai, and soften their bark, promoting its decay.
Some bonsai growers get around this problem by limiting the expanse of the moss they allow around their trees to just a portion of the available soil surface. They also take care to prevent the moss from spreading up the trunk. Other growers will apply moss to the surface of the soil for presentation at bonsai exhibits but will remove the moss afterwards.
