Location, planting time, neighbors, propagation and more

In which location can moss grow?

All Moss species thrive as spore plants that do not take root in the soil but only hold onto cell threads (rhizoids). Thus, mosses have the ability to establish themselves on a wide variety of substrates, such as bedding soil, Tree bark or stone. However, you will only grow moss successfully when these conditions prevail at the location:

• Partly to shady location
• Moist and cool, preferably near a pond or stream
• Nutrient-poor, freshly moist soil with an acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.0

A few Moss species tolerate sunshine and dry phases, like the indigenous common moss. The majority of the spore plants only meet expectations if they are given a constantly shady, cool and moist place in the garden.

When is the best time to plant?

The temperature optimum for the vast majority of mosses is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Thus, in our regions, the time window for planting is open during the entire vegetation period. The best results come when you

Moss in the garden Grow between April and September.

How do I properly plant moss in the bed?

Careful ground preparation sets the course for a speedy one growth. Therefore, carefully remove all weeds at the chosen location so that they do not overgrow the moss. Check the pH in the soil. If this is well above 6.0, work some peat or bog soil into the ground. Then smooth the planting surface with a Lawn roller. How to proceed:

• The bed area with the Lawn sprinkler(€ 27.99 at Amazon *) or water the watering can
• Spread pieces of moss on the surface and press on
• Press very small pieces of moss into the substrate with tweezers
• Finally sprinkle the freshly planted moss with water

The planting material for growing moss in the bed can be found elsewhere in the garden. Garden centers and hardware stores offer different types of moss in pots at planting time. Please do not remove any pieces of moss from the forest. A large number of native moss species are threatened with extinction and are subject to a strict regime natural reserve.

How can moss be propagated?

The vegetative Multiplication von Moos is pleasingly uncomplicated. To do this, fill a pot or bowl with a lean, acidic substrate, such as peat, or herb Succulent soil. Akkadama or a similar bonsai substrate is also ideal. First, moisten the soil with soft water. Then divide a piece of moss into several parts, press them into the substrate at a distance of 5-8 cm and water them with a fine shower.

Although no moss plants Seeds produce, they can very well be reproduced generatively. For this purpose, numerous spore capsules sprout during the growing season, which rise on small stalks above the moss. You cut off these stems. Crush the spore capsules on a plate, pick them up with a fine brush and transfer them to the moist propagation substrate. Then pour on from below and put a transparent cover over the vessel.

Growing moss on stone - that's how it works

Moss does not need to take root in a substrate. So stones and walls are also an option to create a velvety green moss carpet on them. Coat the level surface with nettle manure and place small sheets of moss on top.

If you want to grow moss on an uneven, spherical or sloping surface, you can do the trick with a moss-milk shake. In a blender, add 1 large piece of moss, 2 cups of buttermilk, and 2 cups of water. If the mixture has a creamy consistency, apply it with a brush or a spray bottle. This opens up creative design options on walls, boulders, house walls or tree trunks.

Are there suitable plant neighbors?

Even though Moss in the lawn spreads with vehemence and displaces the noble grasses, it is otherwise weakly competitive. Any moss would be overgrown within a short time by rapidly growing plant neighbors. Therefore, the spore plant is only suitable there as Ground coverwhere it should not suppress weeds. In the company of slowly growing trees, however, all types of moss feel right at home. This is particularly true in the vicinity of deciduous and coniferous trees or hedges, which also provide the necessary shade.