What Is Moss? Species and Characteristics
Before we discuss how to grow moss, let’s get to know it a bit. Mosses are members of the Bryophyte family, which also includes liverworts and hornworts. They’re small, flowerless plants that typically grow in dense, lush mats. They have thin, delicate leaves and often grow in shady, damp areas.
These plants absorb their water and nutrients through shallow filaments (they don’t have roots), and they reproduce using spores. Moss grows all over the world and comes in a wide variety of colors, including green, red, yellow, and even black! There are over 12,000 species of moss, so you’re sure to find one (or several) that will be perfect for your needs. Some common types are:
- cushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum);
- mood moss (Dicranum scoparium);
- sheet moss (Hypnum cupressiforme);
- feather moss (Hypnum imponens);
- fire moss (Ceratodon purpureus);
- plume moss (Ptilium crista-castrensis).
Where to Grow Moss? Choosing a Growing Site
Moss can be grown almost anywhere, as long as the site meets a few basic requirements. First, it should be in partial to full shade; too much sun will dry out the moss and cause it to turn brown.
Second, the soil should be acidic and damp but not boggy; moss needs moisture to survive. Third, it should be free of debris; things like leaves and sticks will block the moss’s access to sunlight and moisture. It’s easy to prepare a site for moss by simply raking it clean. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you’re ready to start growing moss!
How to Grow Moss in Your Garden as Ground Cover
Now that you know what it is and where to grow it, it’s time to learn how to grow moss. The good news is, it’s easy! In fact, you might already have everything you need to propagate it.
If you’re looking to add a bit of moss to your garden for texture, you can simply gather it from the wild – make sure it’s not polluted, and that you have permission. You can also buy the desired species of moss from a plant nursery.
Once you have your moss, it’s time to plant it. You can press it directly into well-watered soil if the conditions in your garden are similar to where you found it. Otherwise, it’s best to place a small piece of moss on a landscape fabric first. Then, put it in a shallow tray of water (careful not to submerge the moss). Once it’s attached to the fabric, you can transplant it to your desired spot.
How to Grow Moss Plants on Rock or Brick Using Slurry
How to grow moss on a hard surface like rock or brick? First, you’ll need to make a slurry. To do this, use a blender to mix two parts buttermilk or yogurt with one part chopped moss. Let the mixture sit for a day or two, then apply it to your surface with a paintbrush.
Once painted, mist the surface with a spray bottle – but not too much, or you’ll wash away the moss spores. The slurry will help them attach to the surface, so they can start growing.
How to Care for Moss Once Established?
Once your moss is established, it doesn’t require any fertilizer. Just make sure it stays moist by misting it with water if the weather is dry. Give it a good watering twice a week, but only use filtered water or rainwater; tap water contains chemicals that can damage moss.
Avoid walking on your moss garden, as this will compact the soil and damage the delicate leaves. If you need to access an area of your moss garden, lay down a piece of plywood first. You should also cut back any nearby plants that are crowding out your moss. Other than that, sit back and enjoy your beautiful new moss garden!
Tips for Growing Moss In a Terrarium
If you want to know how to grow moss indoors, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose the right location. Moss needs shade and high humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen is usually a good spot.
Then, you’ll need to create a humid environment for your plants by misting them regularly with water. You can also add a layer of gravel to the bottom of your terrarium, and pour water over it so that it evaporates and increases the humidity. Make sure you use filtered water or rainwater to avoid damaging the moss.
Can You Grow Moss from Seeds?
Unfortunately, moss doesn’t produce seeds. However, it does produce spores, which are similar to seeds. These spores can be found on the underside of moss leaves, and they’re how the plant reproduces. Sometimes, you can buy them as ‘bonsai tree moss spores,’ as they’re typically used for growing moss around miniature trees.
How to grow moss from spores? You’ll need to sow them on top of moist soil or mix them into a slurry (as described above) and paint them onto a surface. With a little patience, you’ll soon have a beautiful moss garden of your own!
How Long Does It Take for Moss to Grow?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on a number of factors, including the type of moss you’re growing, the conditions in your garden, and how well you take care of it. Generally speaking, though, it will take about 6 weeks for your moss to start thriving and growing on its own.
Enjoy Your Moss Garden!
Now that you know how to grow moss, it’s time to get started on your own moss garden! With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a beautiful, low-maintenance patch of moss. Happy gardening!
