A complete step-by-step guide to laying moss on the surface of bonsai pots

In bonsai, laying a layer of moss on the pot surface may seem optional, but if done just right, it often adds a great deal of beauty.

Let's look at the general process of laying moss.

As for where the moss comes from, heh, it's available everywhere - just pick out clean ones with good growth and dig some up to bring home. These days flower markets also sell plenty of moss specifically, and some of it isn't cheap - a piece the size of a lunchbox can cost several tens of yuan. This stuff is a matter of opinion; don't assume that just because you paid for it, it must be good - it may well have been taken from some mountain gully too.

Level the pot surface and give the surface of the potting soil a quick tidy-up along the way. Usually the potting soil is scraped down to a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm from the pot rim, leaving a little space for the moss.

Also trim off any roots that poke out.

Then lay a thin layer of growing medium

Cut the dried sphagnum moss into small pieces

Spread a thin layer over the surface of the potting soil; this layer of sphagnum can help retain water and will gradually be used up.

Mist the surface sphagnum until wet

Trim the roots of the moss a little

Start laying it down. During the laying process, consider the growth direction and color of the moss: lay pieces with the growth direction facing the same way and with even color together.

The laying process is fairly free-form; once it is fully covered, press it down with a tool so it binds more tightly with the potting soil beneath.

Since there will be some gaps after laying, fill them in with growing medium, preferably volcanic rock granules - this medium is dark in color and looks better. Sweep out the excess. Then water, and you're done.

Look at a few finished pieces - the effect is still quite good. After half a month of growth the effect will be very good.