Trouble growing moss on diatomite

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DustyRusty
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Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by DustyRusty »

Hi everyone. A few years ago I discovered the world of bonsai substrate and haven't looked back. My basic mix is 1/3 diatomite, 1/3 blue metal and 1/3 coco peat. Figs seem to really love it. But for the life of me I can't get moss to grow on it. I'm assuming it's because there isn't enough surface contact with the moss like there would be in a dirt based mix. I'd really like some moss too. Any tips or ideas here?
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Re: Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by wattynine »

Gotta say I have moss growing on my mix 30% do so of diatomite and I would love to get rid of the moss,
Sorry no problems.
I took some moss from somewhere that it was growing put it in my bonsai are on the ground and let it spore naturally,
Now I can't stop the stuff, good in winter during rainy periods, hate it in summer when it rots off and hardens into a waterproof black algae.

Use pure water, moist area and a natural timber, you should be good.
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Re: Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by kcpoole »

all of my trees have moss on my diatomite mix. I have to spray with vinegar to get rid of it :lol:

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Re: Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by shibui »

I agree that the trouble is likely to be lack of contact with the coarse potting mix. I have the same problem. The new moss dries out quite quick and the edges start to curl up, losing contact with the mix. I assume you are putting layers of moss with some soil attached on your pots? Try more regular watering or misting to keep the moss damp until it can get a better hold on the mix. Otherwise it may be an environmental issue - too hot/windy/etc for the moss?

I must also confess that I have the same issues as the other 2 - one of the variety of moss I have here grows so well I need to spray with vinegar to stop it climbing up the trees.
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Re: Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by DustyRusty »

Thanks. Shibui, I think I've only tried moss if scraped off a wall so didn't have a layer of dirt. Maybe that's the element I'm missing. I also use up to 7mm pieces of diatomite so maybe I need to sift some more. I find all the small particles of diatomite and coco peat make their way toward the bottom before long. Thanks for the help. While moss can get out of control I think it makes a much more natural looking cover than just substrate. Thanks again
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Re: Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by KIRKY »

There are alot of different mosses some take some don't so try other mosses. Also when you place the moss on top get some of the soil/medium and cover/bury around the edges. This helps with moisture and anchoring moss in place. The moss will stay wetter and slowly grow expending out. I used to just place on top and push/tuck it in with hit and miss results. Now all my moss takes no matter the variety.
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Re: Trouble growing moss on diatomite

Post by GavinG »

Maybe a layer of fine potting mix between the moss and the coarse mix?

Gavin
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