Adding moss to indoor plants is typically done for aesthetic purposes or to help retain moisture, but it's important to understand that moss often struggles in typical indoor environments. The dry air of most homes is not conducive to moss survival. Here's how to approach it, along with considerations for success:
1. Choosing the Right Moss
Not all moss is created equal! Sheet moss or sphagnum moss are commonly used for decorative purposes with indoor plants.
- Sheet Moss: Primarily used for aesthetic appeal, covering the soil surface.
- Sphagnum Moss: Excellent for retaining moisture and can be mixed into the potting mix or used as a top dressing. Note: While technically not a "true moss," it's often referred to as moss in horticultural contexts.
2. Preparing the Moss
- Rehydrate Dried Moss: If using dried sheet moss or sphagnum moss, soak it in water until it's fully saturated. Gently squeeze out any excess water before applying it to your plant.
3. Application Methods
Here are a few ways to incorporate moss:
- Top Dressing (Most Common): After planting your indoor plant, gently place the rehydrated moss on top of the soil, around the base of the plant. This helps retain moisture and adds a decorative touch. Ensure the moss isn't piled up against the plant's stem, which could promote rot.
- Potting Mix Amendment: Mix sphagnum moss into your potting mix to improve water retention. Use it sparingly, as too much can make the soil too soggy.
- Mounting (for Epiphytes): Certain epiphytic plants like orchids or air plants can be mounted on moss-covered boards or other structures. This mimics their natural growing environment.
4. Creating a Suitable Environment
The biggest challenge is maintaining adequate moisture.
- High Humidity: Moss thrives in high humidity. Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water to increase humidity.
- Misting: Mist the moss regularly with distilled or rainwater to keep it moist. Avoid tap water, which can contain minerals that can harm moss.
- Terrariums: The best solution, as highlighted in the reference, is a closed terrarium. The enclosed environment traps moisture, creating a mini-ecosystem where moss can flourish. Terrariums drastically increase your chances of success.
5. Maintenance
- Monitor Moisture Levels: Check the moss regularly to ensure it stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Proper Watering: Water the plant as usual, taking care not to overwater, as the moss will help retain moisture.
- Light: Moss generally prefers indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry it out and scorch it.
Why Terrariums Are Ideal
Terrariums are self-contained ecosystems that maintain high humidity levels, which are essential for moss survival. A terrarium with a lid is the most effective way to keep moss healthy indoors.
Troubleshooting
- Brown or Dry Moss: Indicates insufficient moisture. Increase humidity and mist more frequently.
- Mold Growth: Indicates excessive moisture and poor air circulation. Reduce watering and improve ventilation.
Adding moss to indoor plants can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful attention to humidity and moisture levels. If you can create a suitable environment, your plants will benefit from the added aesthetic appeal and moisture retention.
