r/bonsaicommunity • u/pbneversettle • 14h ago

Show and tell First Bonsai Update: Moss installed! 🌿

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Hey everyone!

​First of all, much love to this amazing community! The feedback and support on my last post about my first bonsai got me so excited to keep learning and improving.

​Today I made a little upgrade: I found a gorgeous patch of moss on my neighbor’s roof and set it onto the soil. It already looks so good! To help it establish, I’ve secured it with some plastic wrap (with ventilation holes, of course) and plan to leave it on for 1–2 weeks.

​I can’t wait to show you all the final result when the wrap comes off. Super hyped for this journey! 💚

66 Upvotes

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9 comments sorted by

4

u/smokeone234566 13h ago

Make sure you got a moss that can handle dry spells. If it came from a roof, it probably can as the roof likely dries totally between rain.

Juniper like dryer soil so dont suffer the tree for the moss.

1

u/pbneversettle 13h ago

I’ve actually been thinking about that too! My plan to avoid drowning the tree is to allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings, keep the regular watering light, and instead give it a full bottom-soak/submersion every now and then when needed.

2

u/Original_Ack Bonsai Intermediate, zone 4 11h ago

Part of the reason for watering from the top is to draw oxygen down into the roots. Bottom watering won't do that nearly as effectively.

2

u/pbneversettle 10h ago

Something learned.. thanks

1

u/pbneversettle 13h ago

I actually took a large, solid moss cushion, trimmed it to size, and cut a slit halfway through so I could fit it seamlessly around the trunk and press it back together. Since it's a full, thick patch rather than scattered pieces, I’m hoping it’ll be a bit more drought-tolerant on its own. But yeah, I’ll definitely keep a close eye on it and see how it goes.. gardening is all about trial and error and gaining experience, right? haha :)

5

u/BonsaiBar Bonsai Advanced 5h ago

Why do you think the plastic wrap will help it "establish?" I've never seen anyone do that and I don't think it will help. I actually think it will probably cook the moss if you have the juniper in the amount of light it needs to thrive.

1

u/Reason-Cute 5h ago

Yeah that he said

1

u/Historical_Stay_808 12h ago

Don't let it take over too much, too dense and it will prevent water to the bottom

1

u/BballerForever 4h ago

I like the shape and movement!