Moss is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be used to decorate just about any space. It’s also quite easy to take care of, making it a perfect choice for people who don’t have a lot of experience with plants.
When it comes to moss, many consumers are confused about what they’re buying. While most moss products are plant-based, what they can be utilized for varies.
The words seem to be used interchangeably and many people appear to be getting it wrong. When purchasing moss online, our advice is to pay attention to the description and research the reviews thoroughly.
If you’re interested in buying moss, then this is the guide for you! In this article, we will discuss the different types of moss available, as well as where to buy it.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to care for your new growing moss garden. Live moss, preserved moss, and dried moss is the primary varieties of moss:
Table of Contents
Live Moss
Live moss is the most popular type of moss and it can be used for a variety of purposes. This type of moss grows best in moist environments, making it perfect for use in a moss garden and landscapes. It can also be used to create topiaries or indoor terrariums.
Live moss is in a fully hydrated and growing state. It has a lush, green colour and isn’t kept in airtight bags that have been sitting on a shelf. Rather than being pre-packaged, live moss is frequently selected to order.
You can purchase live moss from amazon. They provide a number of high-quality goods. Amazon provides a range of live mosses, lichens, and other forest plants for terrariums, bonsai, and vivaria, as well as claiming to sustainably harvest all of their living plants.
Preserved Moss
Preserved moss is a type of live moss that has been dried and treated with a preserving agent. This type of moss doesn’t require any water or maintenance, making it perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to take care of plants. It can be used to decorate indoor spaces or as part of a floral arrangement.
If the moss you have is bright in colour, such as red, blue, purple, orange, or anything else rainbow-like, it’s probably preserved moss. It’s more likely that you’re buying dyed and preserved moss if it comes in an airtight bag. Super moss Preserved Reindeer Moss is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen for sale. It is available in bright red, black, mango, forest green, chartreuse, purple, royal blue, natural, and dusty rose.
Moss, in particular that has been dyed, is an excellent option for adding colour or texture to an open terrarium (it can mould in a closed environment), fairy or moss garden. However, it should be kept dry to preserve its colour and texture. Preserved moss may mould or decay if it becomes too moist. Furthermore, if the moss gets wet enough, some dyes might run.
Moss, which has been kept for a long length of time and preserved in some form, is utilized as a moisture source for vivaria. The idea is that the moss acts like a sponge. It’s fully moistened, the water is squeezed out like a sponge, and then the moss is inserted into the animal enclosure or space. This method of using moss results in it decaying over time; therefore, only utilize it twice or three times before discarding it.
Dried Moss
Dried moss may be rehydrated and revived if immersed in water. Dried moss is a dormant plant that, with careful attention, may begin to grow again.
Here’s where things can get complicated. Much of the moss that is marketed as dried moss has actually been kept and no amount of water will bring it back to life. When purchasing moss online, your best choice is to purchase from reputable sellers with positive feedback and customer comments that verify their claim to sell dry rather than preserved moss.
Other Types Of Moss & Things That’s Are Not Moss
Moss may be found in a variety of settings, including on land, trees, and buildings. Some moss is actually aquatic. There’s also stuff that isn’t really a moss at all.
Moss Balls
Moss balls, or sphere moss, is not a true moss but an easy-to-care-for plant that grows in wet environments. This type of plant can be used to decorate indoor spaces or as part of a floral arrangement.
Moss Balls are sold pre-packaged and do not require any additional water or maintenance.
Reindeer Moss
Reindeer moss is not a type of moss but an easy-to-care-for lichen that grows in cold, dry environments. This type of plant can be used to decorate indoor spaces or as part of a floral arrangement. Reindeer Moss does not require any additional water or maintenance.
Irish Moss
Irish moss is not a type of moss but an easy-to-care-for red algae that grows in cold, wet environments. This type of plant can be used to decorate indoor spaces or as part of a floral arrangement. Irish Moss does not require any additional water or maintenance.
Spanish Moss
Spanish moss, that lovely plant with long tendrils that grows on trees, is not a moss. It’s more closely related to bromeliads than mosses. Spanish Moss Is an Air Plant That Obtains Its Nutrients From the Air and Rainfall.
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss is a kind of moss with over 120 varieties. It may retain water even after death, which is why it’s so popular as a planting media. When you buy sphagnum moss, it is often dried. Rehydration will not reanimate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moss hard to keep alive?
Moss generally doesn’t need a lot of care to stay alive. It may require some occasional watering and should be kept in an environment with high humidity if you want it to retain its colour and texture.
Can I use moss in my aquarium?
There are different types of moss that can be used in an aquarium, but it is important to research what type of moss will work best for your particular setup. Some mosses can survive in the water while others will die quickly.
How long does live moss last?
Living moss walls, on the other hand, may live for roughly 25 years in ideal circumstances and must be maintained with a high level of attention to survive that long. They also require access to natural light (or at least artificial grow lights) and regular watering and fertilizing.
Does moss purify the air?
Moss has the most air cleaning and oxygenating ability of any plant, which is due in part to its vast surface area. Moss plants have a very large surface area, allowing them to capture a wide range of pollutants, allergens, and dangerous chemicals.
Is moss poisonous?
Mosses are not generally considered poisonous, but there are a few varieties that may cause skin irritation or other reactions in humans. Always do your research before adding any new plants to your home or garden.
What kind of environment does moss prefer?
Moss can grow in a variety of environments, but it tends to prefer moist, shady areas with high humidity levels.
Can I use moss in my garden?
Moss can be a beautiful addition to any garden, but it is important to choose the right type of moss for your climate and growing conditions. Some types of moss do well in shady areas while others prefer direct sunlight.
What are some common uses for moss?
Moss is often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets, urns, and other containers. It can also be used to create natural accents on trees, rocks, and walls.
How do I transplant moss?
If you want to move Moss from one place to another, you should gently remove it with a spoon or trowel. Be sure not to damage the plants’ roots when doing so.
How do I propagate moss?
Moss can be propagated by dividing the plants into clumps or taking stem cuttings. It is also possible to grow moss from spores, but this process can be tricky and may not always yield successful results.
What are some common problems with moss?
One of the most common problems with moss is that it can become too dry. If your moss starts to turn brown or lose its colour, you should water it thoroughly and increase the humidity levels in its environment. Moss can also be susceptible to pests and diseases, so keep an eye out for any signs of trouble.
Is it better to buy live or dried moss?
When you buy sphagnum moss, it is often dried. Rehydration will not reanimate it. Eileen included live sphagnum moss when I bought Partridgeberry vine from her, which was fantastic.
Can you eat moss?
Moss is a diverse group of plants that may be used to treat a variety of ailments. There are roughly 12,000 different species of moss, and the vast majority are entirely safe and edible to humans. In fact, in the Arctic, moss and lichen make up a big portion of the diet.
