tmjudd1
Mame
In searching for information, online, Kyoto Moss seems to be a bit difficult to cultivate from spores... and I've also found very little 'useful' information about growing it, successfully. Perhaps I'm just using the wrong 'search' terms and not landing in the proper places for good info. Don't know, but anyway. I've decided to give it a go, and 'also' do certain things somewhat 'differently' than those who's methods I've already read about and looked upon. Can't say whether or not I'll succeed, or fail, however. "Pass, or fail... here it goes!"
Please bear in mind. My methods and equipment might seem a bit much, but it is actually only being used as a 'test-bed' to see if my methods will actually work. If my methods prove successful, you, yourself will be able to reproduce the same results without using the same sort of equipment that I am using for this experiment. I'll let you folks know how to do it, provided I actually get it right via this attempt. Only time will tell, so let's get started!
When dealing with things that involve 'spores' you must always make sure that everything being used is thoroughly 'sterilized'... 'EVERYTHING' except for the spores, themselves! After sterilization, you must 'also' KEEP things sterile until being inoculated with your 'desired' spores. The air is loaded with microscopic spores of many different varieties, just looking for a cozy place to settle upon and grow within. You 'cannot' allow those invaders to settle onto your newly sterilized media, prior to inoculation (nor 'after' for 'that' matter) because any contaminants will be competing with your delicate moss spores... and if the contaminants take hold before the moss, well. You can likely kiss the moss goodbye and just grow whatever organisms contaminated your growing bed. "Keep it clean!"
The next thing that needs to be done is to learn the natural environment/conditions that this stuff likes to grow within. I'm wanting to grow some Kyoto moss, so I researched the weather and climate conditions in Kyoto, Japan. I need to mimic those conditions, as best I can.
Next... what does this stuff like to grow upon? I hit dead ends on that one. Sorce was kind enough to suggest Sphagnum moss, so I went with that for a topping. Below the sphagnum topping is a layer of Orchid soil followed by a drainage layer of river rock at the bottom of my growing trays. There are 'no' drainage holes in my trays. I shouldn't need drainage holes, but in the event that too much moisture builds up, I'll simply 'tilt' the trays to allow excess moisture run off into drip pans.
I've taken many photos, showing every step of my experimental process, but. I'll not clutter this thread with those boring photos, explanations, nor in-depth instructions until I know if this process truly succeeds. The following image is of my two trays of 'hopeful' moss culture after being sterilized, inoculated and inserted into my automated 'eco-system' that controls temps, humidity and fresh air exchanges. The 'auto-pilot' has been switched to the 'on' position... and I'm now just a standby system monitoring the progress...
Please bear in mind. My methods and equipment might seem a bit much, but it is actually only being used as a 'test-bed' to see if my methods will actually work. If my methods prove successful, you, yourself will be able to reproduce the same results without using the same sort of equipment that I am using for this experiment. I'll let you folks know how to do it, provided I actually get it right via this attempt. Only time will tell, so let's get started!
When dealing with things that involve 'spores' you must always make sure that everything being used is thoroughly 'sterilized'... 'EVERYTHING' except for the spores, themselves! After sterilization, you must 'also' KEEP things sterile until being inoculated with your 'desired' spores. The air is loaded with microscopic spores of many different varieties, just looking for a cozy place to settle upon and grow within. You 'cannot' allow those invaders to settle onto your newly sterilized media, prior to inoculation (nor 'after' for 'that' matter) because any contaminants will be competing with your delicate moss spores... and if the contaminants take hold before the moss, well. You can likely kiss the moss goodbye and just grow whatever organisms contaminated your growing bed. "Keep it clean!"
The next thing that needs to be done is to learn the natural environment/conditions that this stuff likes to grow within. I'm wanting to grow some Kyoto moss, so I researched the weather and climate conditions in Kyoto, Japan. I need to mimic those conditions, as best I can.
Next... what does this stuff like to grow upon? I hit dead ends on that one. Sorce was kind enough to suggest Sphagnum moss, so I went with that for a topping. Below the sphagnum topping is a layer of Orchid soil followed by a drainage layer of river rock at the bottom of my growing trays. There are 'no' drainage holes in my trays. I shouldn't need drainage holes, but in the event that too much moisture builds up, I'll simply 'tilt' the trays to allow excess moisture run off into drip pans.
I've taken many photos, showing every step of my experimental process, but. I'll not clutter this thread with those boring photos, explanations, nor in-depth instructions until I know if this process truly succeeds. The following image is of my two trays of 'hopeful' moss culture after being sterilized, inoculated and inserted into my automated 'eco-system' that controls temps, humidity and fresh air exchanges. The 'auto-pilot' has been switched to the 'on' position... and I'm now just a standby system monitoring the progress...
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