Tip of the Week  #12

"But what does all this have to do with growing bonsai?" you ask. A lot. The art of bonsai is all about deception. We try to trick our eyes and brain into thinking that the one or two foot tree we're looking at is actually a 30 or 40 foot tree viewed from a distance. The better the bonsai, the more we can see it as such. To enhance the overall composition, gravel, rocks and moss are arranged in a natural looking setting in the bonsai pot. A properly maintained blanket of moss adds tremendously to the appearance of a bonsai, but that's just the beginning. Moss will slow the evaporation of moisture from the soil(An invaluable attribute in summer). It will hold water, helping it to soak into the soil while also preventing soil erosion during rain and watering. It will insulate the roots from heat in the summer, and cold in the winter. Not bad for such a simple form of vegetation. If you don't have access to live moss, or the desire to go out and hunt for it, we have packages of Moss Spores for sale in the "Supplies" section of our product catalog.

There are a number of reasons that will prevent moss spores from growing. I'll list a few, and some suggestions, and maybe you can decide what approach is best. First, the spores should be spread so that the package covers between one & three square feet of soil. Too thick a layer of spores will actually slow or prevent germination. The soil can be on the bonsai or in a tray. The soil surface should be as fine as you can make it. The spores should be evenly spread over MOIST soil. Placing a layer of cheesecloth over the surface, and fastening it at the four corners with toothpicks or something similar will help prevent erosion from water, wind etc. The cheesecloth will biodegrade as the moss grows. Try to keep the new moss in a humid area. If it's indoors, it is important to try to raise the humidity around the new moss. Use a fine mist to water. Avoid wetting the tree to avoid drops of water falling from the foliage and/or branches. The surface should be kept moist at all times. Light is VERY important. You should expose the new moss to as much light as possible, while avoiding too much direct sun, which will dry the surface. As long as the spores are in place, they will begin to grow as soon as the conditions are right. It takes a few weeks for a good growth. Many bonsai novices hesitate to pick up moss growing outside for fear that it will have insects in it. Successful bonsai hobbyists keep their collection outside most, if not all the time. They are exposed to the same insects as naturally growing moss is.