Has anyone had any experience in encouraging lichen growth on their plants, or seen a site that discusses it? A lot of the trees around here have lichens growing on them, and I'd like to try getting some going on the maples and oaks I'm plotting on cultivating.

normally people take a lot of effort to stop them from growing, as they damage bark and block buds from developing.
I have to do nothing. I get them everywhere. Moist air & plenty of lichen around?

I recently finished a book that talked about the use of moss and lichens. I like to look of lichens on old trees in moderation otherwise it looks infested. In the book I read that you can transfer a younger lichen from one tree to another by using tweezers to lift up the edge and a blade of sorts to scrap it off the tree. Once you are home with it you simply place it low on the trunk and protect it from wind and hard rain. This book is from the 1980's. I also found this. www2.huh.harvard.edu/collections/lichens/collecting.html

Bonsai Bender wrote: This book is from the 1980's.

What book is this? Is there PDF version online?

spacewood wrote: What book is this? Is there PDF version online?

The Bonsai Book of Practical Facts www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Book-Practical-Fac...ection/dp/0945487002

This is a great read of the basics but on a higher level. For example one thing I did not realize before I read this book is that roots do not absorb liquid water but in fact water vapor. That is why it is important for your soil and pot to drain well.