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Making moss terrariums or notPosted on May 24, 2011 by Helen Yoest

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Making moss terrariums or not | Moss and Stone Gardens Blog http://www.mossandstonegardens.com/blog/one-tall-dish-baby/

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When glass gathers moss , the glory is intensified. By night, glass glistens from the light of a firefly or the stars

shining from above. Inside, glass glistens, too, as a reflection from candle lights soft glow. By day, glass becomes

a vessel, flattering all that resides, elevating the status of the moss garden below.

This covered dish, contains Asplenium platyneuron (ebony spleen wort),Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum

glaucum, Hypnym imponens, and Campylopus introflexus.

The dish appears to be very terrarium-esque, but mosses do not make ideal terrarium plants.

David Spain advises creating this type of covered dish garden for short durations, To enjoy the beauty of the

cloched moss garden for a brief period, like over a weekend or when

friends come over for good conversation. When the moss dish garden is

not on show remove the glass to better regulate the moisture content

and air circulation.

With a renewed popularity ofterrariums, and the desire to be around

mosses, many are using moss in their designs. The guidance below, may

help your mosses thrive under terrarium conditions. For the best results,

consider creating your terrarium like David did above; by day, uncovered,

a lovely moss dish; by night, a glistening, globe of glass covering a garden.

KEEPING MOSSES IN A TERRARIUM

When we think of a terrarium, we envision a tiny rain forest-like environment, dripping with condensation,


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mimicking a constant rainfall. Many plants will tolerate this in a terrarium; however, mosses will not. Mosses

need good drainage. In addition, mosses need air circulation.

As David explained, Closed terrariums are a problem for mosses because they trap too much humidity and the

lack of air circulation is a breeding ground for mildew.

Not all mildew is a problem, just the ones that feed on the mosses and have a mold-like appearance. According to

David, Grey to black and powdery types of fungi, spell trouble in a closed container.

It would be nice if we could put some moss in a sealed container and

have a complete self-sustaining ecosystem, never to be touched again, but

this isnt the case, says David. Opening the container to allow for

evaporation is how you adjust the humidity level and it also allows for an

exchange of gasses. Even when humidity levels are correct, lifting the lid

for gas exchange is periodically needed.

If you want to keep mosses alive and healthy in a terrarium, special care

must be taken to achieve the proper level of humidity one that is moist enough to hydrate moss but not so

moist for mildew to thrive. If large droplets form on the inside of the glass, then its too wet. The optimal amount

of condensate would have the glass looking slightly hazy or with no condensation present, at all.

As with any type of planting arrangement, group plants with similar needs together. This becomes a problem for

mosses when trying to pair with vascular plants. Vascular plants need water in the substrate to survive, but this

amount of moisture will overwhelm the moss and create heavy condensation, says David. A solution is using

plants that will tolerate low levels of light and moisture.

To help mosses and vascular plants co-exist, David recommends, Periodically, removing the lid, watering the

vascular plants, and then replacing the lid a day or two later. Once the lid is returned, check for condensation;

keep this venting/sealing process going until you achieve the right balance.

This may seem like a lot more maintenance than a terrarium is supposed to receive, however, the truth is, few


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terrariums are carefree in the long run and mosses are not ideal inhabitants, says David

Mosses need drainage and wont tolerate sitting in wet soil. When making a moss dish, providing drainage is

important. Without proper drainage, you cant leave the terrarium outdoors where it will fill with rain water.

When this happens, youll have to tip to drain.

With drainage, there is no fear of leaving the terrarium outdoors for a rain respite; something mosses appreciate.

However many glass containers, such as those used in terrariums, are difficult to drill.

For non-draining containers, activated charcoal, properly rinsed and drained and mixed with gravel to absorbs

accumulated pollutants, is necessary.

Be sure to supply bright indirect light. Keep the humidity level as low as possible and ventilate often.

There are opened top or vented containers that make the humidity balanced and gas exchange easier and thereare plants that welcome these conditions, as well.

Many of us desire to have our flora cohabiting with us indoors and mosses are no exception. Creating a proper

environment can be a challenge, but control of a terrarium is one way, says David

As a side note, this cloche and dish were not a set. The cloche and dish were purchased separately, then paired

up. You may be surprised how easy it is to find cloches to fit over a dish, creating the perfect cozy for your moss

garden.

From my perspective, I like the compromise of occasionally doming the moss dish with a

glass cloche for times when I want to show off, errr, I mean show case, then removing the

glass during off hours. This way, I have all the drama a terrarium provides, but with little

maintenance and worry wondering if my mosses will thrive.

Davids recommended picks to use in terrariums or indoor containers.


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Campylopus introflexus

Climacium americanum

Dicranum scoparium

Hypnum imponens

Thuidium delecatulum

Order your Moss Rocks! online today. Moss is grand. Moss is green. Moss is good. Make the most of it; order

Moss Rocks! today.

By: Helen Yoest


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To learn more about Moss and Stone Gardens Where Moss Rocks!, please visit our

website. Or email David Spain at [email protected].

Unless otherwise noted, all photo are credited to Ken Gergle.

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One Response to Making moss terrariums or not

Moss and Stone Gardens Blog

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Synthetic Grass Perthsays:

May 28, 2011 at 8:06 am

MOSSES-The way you have told them to keep them indoors or outdoors is of great help.Thanks a ton

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Download - Making moss terrariums – or not… _ Moss and Stone Gardens Blog

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