[NorthTexasWilds]

OK guys i am new to planted terrariums, good ones at least. I want to recreate this image, or something along those lines. Can you help me? I dont know where to start when it comes to moss tanks lol Where can i order live moss from? I know black jungle doesnt have any. I found a bunch on Etsy but i dont know if it will work etc.

here is my image.

Rain Forest, Mt Mou New Caledonia | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[Taron]

Sweet picture! If your are wanting a similar environment I would get some drift wood and position it how you want it. Then create moss base and paint the wood. In 5-6 months it should show excellent growth.

Moss base paint mix.

Repeat these steps for each of the liquid ingredients listed:

1. Gather a clump of moss (remove as much dirt from the moss as possible). 2. Add moss into a blender (a good ratio is 1 part moss to 4 parts liquid). 3. Add LIQUID INGREDIENT (see options listed below). **You only need to use enough to allow the blender to blend everything. It should end up as a very thick "soup". 4. Blend thoroughly to pulverize the moss. 5. Spread the soupy mixture onto your object with a brush wherever you want the moss to grow. Or use your hands to "pat-pat" the gloppy mixture onto your container. I think the hand technique is the easiest and works great!

Liquid Ingredient Options

One can of beer + 1 tsp - 2 tsp sugar: or 1 cup buttermilk; or 1 cup yogurt

Moss "Accelerant" Recipe ... Maybe, Maybe Not

I've seen mention over the years where gardeners have been successful at accelerating the growth of moss by using a blend of honey and vinegar. As I have not personally tried this one, I will assume that the ratio of honey is much less than the vinegar. All I can say is experiment and see what happens, if you are so inclined

This is the instructions I follow.

We also sell 5 types of moss as well for $5 a bag.

Taron

 

[VivariumWorks]

Those moss recipes will work, BUT:

using a low pH clay will work equally well. (pH = or < 6)

The reason the beer, milk, sugar, whatever is used is to facilitate bacterial fermentation and growth. The various acids produced by the breaking down of the organics (sugar, milk protein) help to break open the moss/fern spore outer layer. The excess H+ ions attack the outer shell of the spores and allow for the gametophytes to be released. A low pH clay soil will do this equally well as the soil particles and humic acids present will provide the needed H+.

I only bother saying this because those recipes yield sizable bacterial fermentation which smells downright awful. I used this method myself until I thought about WHY this folk method works and found that its not really necessary so long as you still provide the H+ ions. I've gotten equally good results using a low pH clay "mud" that doesn't yield the nasty smell and it gives something for the moss to grow in that isn't bacterial/fungal laden sludge.

Resco "Redart Clay" typically has a pH from about a 4-6 and works well. Just remember you have to keep it wet, calcium kills moss (be careful if calcium dusting), and the larger and better quality the starter colony or spores you use the better.

Good luck and give it water, time, and tons of light.

 

[brinkerh420]

Josh's Frogs also has live moss that's not to expensive. The moss paint will cost less and may be more effective, but If you want to cover the soil or something, Josh's Frogs has it.