Sphagnum on top.

[bonsai-max]

Should we put grinded sphagnum on top of soil?
Sphagnum on top helps keep the soil moist, protects the top layer from a quicker erosion ( for example here I have a lot of wind some day).
I mean the sphagnum that remains light brown.

 

[bonsaichile]

It is a common practice

 

[bonsai-max]

Ok, then I will do it, the only thing is that maybe is more difficult to understand when the plant needs watering

 

[bonsaichile]

I dont do it, personally. But you can stick a chopstick in the pot as a water gauge

 

[bonsai-max]

There is a video that explain the procedure ? I think is not complicate but I have no idea of how many Sphagnum i should use

 

[bonsaichile]

Just enough to cover the top with a thin layer. Chop it before hand, like an onion. Make sure to wear a respirator, bacteria and spores in the spahgnum moss can be dangerous if inhaled

 

[Clicio]

I usually do it when repotting in hotter than normal Springs. A not so thick layer to keep the soil moist. It disappears by mid summer, in my climate - mixed with the substrate or under green moss.

 

[Doogliebop]

It's so hot in my location it drys in no time and quickly blows away so I don't use it as top-dressing. I do however grind it up and put it around spots in the soil where I want roots to grow.

 

[IzzyG]

I run sphagnum moss through a sifter(using the sifter to break it into smaller particles that matches the size of my soil particle). I then dunk it in water and dye the whole thing with India ink to grey out the color of the moss. After it dyes, I wring patches it out and lay it on table top to dry.

I also break down collected moss using the same sifter. Once both are dried, I then combine the two using a 4:1 or 5:1 ratio of sphagnum moss:collected moss. Sprinkle a thin layer of the final product over the soil and spritz it with water to keep it down initially and water the whole tree thoroughly(if you don’t spritz, water from a hose or can will shift it around since it’s so light).

If you’re a Mirai Live member, they have a 20 min plus video showing the reasons and steps.

 

[bonsai-max]

Did it, but only sphagnum as i don't want moss

 

[bonsai-max]

Is it possible to put osmocote over the sphagnum ?

 

[jonfromchicago]

Is it possible to put osmocote over the sphagnum ?

Yes, it's possible to put osmocote over the sphagnum. Just don't expect moss to grow on the areas you put fertilizer over.

 

[Gabler]

Is it possible to put osmocote over the sphagnum ?

I generally peel up the moss and put Osmocote under it, but that’s mostly to keep the sprinkler from washing it away. I see no reason you couldn’t put Osmocote on top of the moss.

 

[bonsaichile]

Did it, but only sphagnum as i don't want moss

View attachment 484301

But sphagnum is moss

 

[Mike Corazzi]

I learned some new stuff about sphagnum a short time ago.

Sphagnum.... what kind?

I'm thinking that a top cover of sphagnum moss might help ease the summer blast heat here. Looked at some at a nursery and it was a ground up product that had some Miracle Gro in it. Seems to me back in the old days sphagnum was a dry stringy stuff. Looked hard to moisten. What is proper...

www.bonsainut.com

 

[bonsai-max]

But sphagnum is moss

Yes it is, but the one I have should be dry and deactivated. It means that remain as is, like a sponge. I have made an experiment last autumn to reactivate it, keep umid and warm for almost three months and never become green. But it's a perfect substrate for live moss that's because a lot of people mix it with live moss. I want just a physical barrier as here is very windy sometimes

 

[Ramron67]

I have a similar question.
I have a newly-acquired Hawaiian Umbrella tree. I live in the Northeastern USA, and my house is heated with forced air. Typically the humidity is quite low inside during the winter.
I have been misting the leaves and trunks, but should I cover the soil and trunks with sphagnum during the winter to maintain moisture?
I saw on a thread here that some people piled sphagnum around the trunk of a ficus and then wrapped plastic wrap around it to hold it in place. Would something like that be recommended to help preserve the moisture of my tree?
Thanks!

 

[Gabler]

I have a similar question.
I have a newly-acquired Hawaiian Umbrella tree. I live in the Northeastern USA, and my house is heated with forced air. Typically the humidity is quite low inside during the winter.
I have been misting the leaves and trunks, but should I cover the soil and trunks with sphagnum during the winter to maintain moisture?
I saw on a thread here that some people piled sphagnum around the trunk of a ficus and then wrapped plastic wrap around it to hold it in place. Would something like that be recommended to help preserve the moisture of my tree?
Thanks!

That's to promote aerial roots. Just be sure to keep your tree watered, and it'll be fine while it's inside for the winter. If you're really concerned about providing optimal growing conditions, some people use growing tents for overwintering tropical trees indoors.

 

[Ramron67]

That's to promote aerial roots. Just be sure to keep your tree watered, and it'll be fine while it's inside for the winter. If you're really concerned about providing optimal growing conditions, some people use growing tents for overwintering tropical trees indoors.

Thanks for that explanation (and reassurance)!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Sprinkling fine sphagnum atop the media is a quick and dirty way to get moss started on a bonsai, if one mists it frequently afterwards, but not the surest way to kickstart moss.

A more certain way to get moss started is more labor intensive. This is to soak the moss until saturated, then chop/tear into 1/2-1” chunks. Afterwards take tweezers and tuck wads of the moss around the nebari and pot edges, then fill in the open area from both sides. Doesn’t blow away, starts faster and creates a thicker cap on the media.

There are many ways to check if water is needed. One is lift the pot and check for heft, another is to insert a chopstick (pull out to see if moist), another is to put a hand on the moss during the day. It will feel drier as the pot needs water.

A tactic if one has many trees is to check the indicator trees first - those that use up water fastest. Over time one gets to know the collection. Head to these trees first, if these trees need water it’s often a sign most of the others will need water too. Especially in the summer.

These needs can change during the seasons. After a few years one will be able to know the microclimate and trees and be able to assess watering needs quickly.

Cheers
DSD sends