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Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

  • Wes V.
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Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots? was created by Wes V.

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #70782
Bonsai pots are just shallow. Would moss prevent soil erosion and root exposure?
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  • BofhSkull
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Replied by BofhSkull on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #70783
Yes.
Retaining moisture in the portion of the soil closer to the surface and hence help keeping surface roots alive is also another effect.

In addition to looking prettier, that is...
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  • Wes V.
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Replied by Wes V. on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #70794

BofhSkull wrote: Yes.
Retaining moisture in the portion of the soil closer to the surface and hence help keeping surface roots alive is also another effect.

In addition to looking prettier, that is...


So what would you recommend? Korean grass? Irish moss? Any other suggestions?
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Replied by BofhSkull on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71464
I simply collect moss from wherever and use that. :dry:
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Replied by Tropfrog on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71465
The moss you find growing in your local area is most likelly the best moss for your bonsai. Imported moss has no guaranty to grow were you live. I have a paved patio that is a perfect habitat for a low growing moss. Same moss grows well and thrives on some of my bonsai. Collect locally is the key.
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  • Wes V.
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Replied by Wes V. on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71467
Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to find moss in California during the summer. It’s totally dry here right now. Unless our upcoming winter will have substantial amount of rain I would find some. The moss here is very shallow.

But how do you collect moss? Do you scrape it off and keep some of its dirt and apply it to a pot?
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Replied by leatherback on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71473
If you want it to cover your substate, go out, collect the dried out moss. Pulverize it and prinkle that on moist substrate that you keep in shade & moist. Wait 2 weeks.
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Replied by BofhSkull on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71478

Wes V. wrote: But how do you collect moss? Do you scrape it off and keep some of its dirt and apply it to a pot?


More or less: after collection I place it in my own substrate, treat it with pesticide and let it grow alone for a month or two.
Only at that point I dare to move it to my plants.

Or what Leatherback wrote.
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Replied by Wes V. on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71512
How do you treat moss with pesticide? Would neem oil work?
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Replied by BofhSkull on topic Does moss prevent soil erosion on pots?

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #71537
No clue. I simply use standard plant-grade insecticide to get rid of potentially harmful bugs that may have been in the original soil before allowing contact with my plants.

Anything capable of that without killing the moss would do.
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