Question
I want to grow something small on top of my desk. While I was studying biology, I had a chance to visit a garden(UCB) and they had these different species of moss which looked like a mini forest! Can I grow diff. species of moss in a pot? I have three big windows and one of them has my desk right in front of it. "the desk window" faces east and as you can imagine it's foggy most of the time. So not too much sun :( If not moss, what would you recommend?
Jihyun
San Francisco
Answer
You can grow moss! They work really well in a sealed terrarium or in a glass jar with a lid, such as a jam jar or one of those glass crocks for storing dry foods with the clasp seal. At the bottom, put 1/2" to 1" planting charcoal followed by the same amount of sand then 1" to 1 1/2" of potting soil. Dampen slightly with a spray bottle. You can use a small patch of moss you can lift off a wall or walkway either dry or still green. Our store by the zoo also sells moss spores. Place the moss on the potting soil and press to get a good contact with the soil. Water by spraying until water penetrates all layers. Seal the jar. I have had moss jars such as these growing since March with only 1 or 2 additional waterings. The sealed system works just like a rain cloud. Humidity builds, fogs the glass, then "rains" and clears. Other plant options are Selaginella moss, small ferns, baby tears and dwarf mondo grass.
Share this post
