Dry Start with Xmas Moss

[Aben314]

I have a glass bowl, a rock, plastic wrap and some xmas moss. I want to try the dry start method.

Here's the plan:

1. Chop xmas moss up.
2. Apply moss to top of rock.
3. Mist the moss.
4. Fill bowl with 1/2 inch of water.
5. Place moss rock in bowl.
6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
7. Leave bowl by a sunny window.
8. Mist 1x a day.
9. Take daily pictures.

Review my plan and let me know what you think. I'll be doing this tonight ready for the sun tomorrow.

If this goes well I'll try DSM with other plants.

Unnecessary picture of the bowl:

[xmas_one]

I don't know maybe it's just me, but using dsm for moss makes no sense.

[jeremyTR]

Originally Posted by xmas_one

I don't know maybe it's just me, but using dsm for moss makes no sense.

Well after you chop it up you have to give it time to attach itself to the rock...

Sent from my HTC Evo 4G

[Aben314]

Originally Posted by xmas_one

I don't know maybe it's just me, but using dsm for moss makes no sense.

I was under the impression it grows better and attaches better after using DSM.

I had a little left over moss after I put the rest in my tank. I figured it'd be worth a shot. This is purely for fun as an experiment.

[xmas_one]

Try superglue, or fishing line, or a hairnet.

[Aben314]

I think you're missing my point.

I've already tied moss to a few rocks/mesh in my tank.

I had a bit leftover and wanted to try this.

I'm not looking for advice on how to attach it. I'm just wanting to try this different method because from what I've read it seems moss might grow faster and attach better this way. I could be wrong though.

[Vigilante]

In my opinion, I think this is a great idea. It will definitely grow faster and should attach really quickly. This would be a good way to grow your moss out fast and have the ability to separate it by having it attach on multiple rocks. Give it a shot, I would like to see how it goes.

[steven p]

Dsm is great for moss, usually takes hold of wood within a week, longer for slate. I have never marred a surface before applying the moss, but if you wish, it will add surface area for the moss to grab.

Also, superglue. Cyanoacrylate i think.

[Aben314]

Would you guys recommend cutting a few slits in the plastic wrap or is it better to have the bowl entirely sealed?

Is there anything I could do to improve this?

Anything I should add to the water to help the moss?

Originally Posted by Vigilante

In my opinion, I think this is a great idea. It will definitely grow faster and should attach really quickly. This would be a good way to grow your moss out fast and have the ability to separate it by having it attach on multiple rocks. Give it a shot, I would like to see how it goes.

Thanks for the support!
I'll try to keep this thread updated with progress.

Originally Posted by steven p

Dsm is great for moss, usually takes hold of wood within a week, longer for slate. I have never marred a surface before applying the moss, but if you wish, it will add surface area for the moss to grab.

Also, superglue. Cyanoacrylate i think.

The rock(s) I'm using should have a rough enough surface for the moss to attach too.

I plan on growing it for a month, we'll see how it goes.

[Vigilante]

Personally, I would not cut slits. I would just open it once daily to exchange the air. If you cut holes, you would lose almost all the humidity that would be produced.

[GMYukonon24s]

Do you have any pics of your setup?

[Aben314]

Here are some pics.





Nothing exciting so far. I chopped up the moss with a pair of scissors. I probably should have dried it out a little before doing so. It clumped together a bit too much.

I haphazardly applied the moss to the rocks.
I'm going to mist twice a day because it was a little dry this morning. I might need to find a better lit window as well.

It doesn't appear to be all that humid in the container. Any idea how I can increase the humidity?

I might try placing it outside in the shade for a few hours. It's pretty hot and humid here in Florida.

[xmas_one]

Pour some water in the dish to bump up the humidity.

[Aben314]

Originally Posted by xmas_one

Pour some water in the dish to bump up the humidity.

There's about half an inch of water in there.

The blue sponge is saturated with water and is there to keep the rocks above the water.

[Chlorophile]

Xmas moss doesn't attach to anything though the way fissidens or mini pellia or several other mosses do.. It will just float away when underwater