Interesting moss source

[gord]

Just made a visit to a local garden shop. They are open in the winter, but carry limited stock. I was looking for moss, and spotted some growing on the soil of perennials that were in pots under the table...hibernating. I asked about buying a couple and the shopkeeper said she would try and find a couple dead plants and then just give me the pot with moss in it. She found two dead ones and I bought a live one with really nice moss. Can't wait to put it in my Shanjing enclosure.Might be a way for other people to access moss.

Gord

 

[alan]

Be wary of any chemical treatments the moss/pot may have received. I would wait for some time before putting it near any animals.

 

[gord]

Alan:

Good point..would washing it off first remove any possible chemicals?


Gord

 

[alan]

Probably, but not necessarily, depending on what it may have been treated with (systemic insecticides). If you want to be completely sure, wait some weeks before exposing animals to it.

 

[adam]

Using garden soil will inevitably lead to moss growth, just keep humidity real high and pull out weeds. It takes months, but does work. When there is a presence of a green slime, you know it's om its way.

 

[s1ren]

Alan said:"If you want to be completely sure, wait some weeks before exposing animals to it."

Also, if you stick to nurseries that offer wholly organically-grown plants (especially if they grow their own stock), there won't be any chemicals on the plants in the first place.

 

[edward]

You can grow moss more quickly if you use peat moss, mix it 50/50 with sand and keep it wet and humid under bright lights. The moss should show up in a little over a month.

Ed