AusBonsai

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?

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.
Watty

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

Ken

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.

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

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.
Cheers
Kirky

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

Gavin