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Growing moss in a container - outside

markoBmarkoB Posts: 3
in Plants

I am seeking advice on planting moss into the container (It will be outside, some of it on full sun, some of it in partial shade). I know about the gravel for drainage and the fact that you should use a well drained soil. I am not sure if I need to have an activated carbon / lump wood charcoal layer also. I know that you need it inside, but not sure if I need it outside?

Also what is the minimum for the height of container in your experience? Thanks!

Posts

  • markoBmarkoB Posts: 3
    Was thinking of collecting moss from the sunnier areas if possible. I am not well informed regarding the species of moss yet.
  • markoBmarkoB Posts: 3
    Will do just that.
    What about layer of activated carbon / lump wood? Is it needed if container and soil has good drainage?
  • micearguersmicearguers Posts: 646
    I know very little about growing moss, but very much love it -- I've encouraged hummocks of moss and sedum to grow on my shed roof, and moss grows on stones and the log storage roof in the shady part of the garden. Anyway, most mosses don't seem to need soil at all in my experience, or a rather infinitesimal amount. I'm kind of assuming there are lots of instructions on the internet. The Japanese are famed for their moss gardens (sadly and naturally needing a lot of maintenance, plus ca change). The activated carbon sounds intriguing!
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    We use Spaghnum or Wood moss for our carnivorous plants.  It is always kept very wet, and a carpet of another type of moss always grows on top of it.  Not sure of the variety, but it looks like the moss you commonly see on paths/walls in the garden.  We keep the plants either in the greenhouse in full sun, or outside in full sun during the summer.  Despite receiving full sun, the moss always thrives, but it is always kept flooded with water (and only rain water at that).  You could try this, but you won't need any soil or charcoal, just the Spaghnum moss.  Minimal drainage is needed, otherwise it will become too dry.

    As an alternative, there are many moss-like plants.  We used to grow lots of Scleranthus uniflorus (below), and most people thought it was moss when they visited our garden.  It doesn't require the really wet conditions of most moss, and needs full sun.  It's easily bought online, and it's also very easy to grow from seed, although it is quite slow growing.  


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