About to repot my elm and trying to figure out the best way to re apply the moss on top of bonsai mix..

I know you need good contact do you need to add a layer of sphagnum moss on top for better contact ? I have a relatively course mix for my soil so I'm not sure directly applying would work.

I also have some finner mix that I could use instead.

Any help is appreciated !

I usually apply it directly, even on pure akadama or similarly coarse soil.
If needed -where the soil is not flat enough- I simply clip it to the ground with a U-shaped piece of wire, that can be removed after just a couple of weeks...

Not an answer to your question but..

Why do you want to add moss to your pot?

I preefer to not moss, as I find the birds come and dig in the b=moss in spring and fall. Furthermore, eventually I get moss to crawl up the trunk, ruining aging bark.

Just some thought

Bonsaibrandon239 wrote: About to repot my elm and trying to figure out the best way to re apply the moss on top of bonsai mix..

You can sift akadama and use the smaller particles on top. That looks nicer and helps moss grow.

The benefits of moss and how to grow it are explained here:

crataegus.com/2012/07/05/the-moss-myth/

I like moss in my pots - but not on the trunk. If I see it, I remove it.

leatherback wrote: Not an answer to your question but..

Why do you want to add moss to your pot?

It makes the thing look better and it helps a bit keeping moisture in place during the hotter season.
But yeah, I know I don't strictly need it...

I only have moss on 2 of my plants that are in pure organic currently.

The reason I want to add moss is some trees just look better with it. Imo anyways

Thanks y'all

Good points. I do worry about it though.. I get moss growing inside the tree canopy on the branches. How to stop moss growing up the trunk.
But maybe planting non-creeping moss in the pot will reduce the creeping moss establishing. Hm.

I use moss as I find I get better roots at the surface compared to one's I didn't moss. I can see the disadvantages also.

I chop spaghum and mix with some normal moss that I find growing on the car park outside.

Slightly off topic I know, but can you apply any moss to your soil or are certain ones better?
I've never used it personally but have a miniature elm I plan on repotting into its final display pot soon and did plan on adding a little moss for visual effect.
I do like some trees with a bed off moss at the base of the trunk, gives off a nice look I think.

I use sphagnum moss and collected moss sieved and mixed 50/50 and sprinkled on the surface of the pot. This helps to keep moisture in. If I am showing the tree then I add moss to the pot, I may or may not remove it after showing.