Moss, a non-vascular plant belonging to the division Bryophyta, is an ancient organism that lacks true roots and reproduces through spores. It thrives by absorbing water and nutrients directly through its small, leaf-like structures. Moss is commercially available for diverse purposes, including craft projects, horticultural uses, and naturalistic landscaping.
Live Versus Preserved Moss
The primary distinction when buying moss is choosing between live or preserved products, which dictates use and maintenance. Live moss is an actively growing organism requiring consistent moisture and indirect light to remain healthy. It is typically used in terrariums, vivariums, or as groundcover, where it contributes to air purification and humidity regulation.
Preserved moss is real moss harvested and treated with a glycerin-based solution to halt growth. This treatment maintains the plant’s soft texture and vibrant color without requiring watering, light, or maintenance. Preserved moss is ideal for floral arrangements, wall art, and indoor craft projects, offering a long-lasting, mess-free aesthetic.
Common Varieties and Specific Applications
Commercially available moss comes in several varieties, each suited for a different purpose. Sheet Moss (Hypnum species) forms dense, flat mats that adhere closely to substrates like soil or rock. This makes it the preferred choice for creating moss lawns or quickly covering the soil surface in container gardens and landscaping projects.
Cushion or Bun Moss (Dicranum or Leucobryum) grows in thick, rounded, mounded clumps, providing a soft, three-dimensional texture. This variety is highly sought after for terrarium design and small decorative accents. It is often sold live for these applications because its structure holds moisture well.
Sphagnum Moss is known for its exceptional water-holding capacity, serving a horticultural function. This variety can absorb and retain moisture up to 20 times its dry weight, making it an excellent medium for moisture retention in soil mixes. It is frequently used as a growing substrate for orchids and carnivorous plants, or for lining hanging baskets; the living plant decomposes into peat moss, a separate soil amendment.
Where to Find Moss for Purchase
The purchasing location for moss is often determined by the form and quantity needed. Local nurseries and garden centers are reliable sources for live sheet moss and bulk bags of dried Sphagnum moss for planting. Craft and hobby stores typically stock preserved varieties, including colorful reindeer moss (a lichen) and treated Spanish moss, often dyed for decorative uses. For specific live specimens, bulk quantities, or specialized growing kits, online specialty retailers offer the widest selection.
Consumers may encounter products labeled as wild-harvested or cultivated. Wild-harvested moss is gathered directly from its natural habitat, offering a wider array of species and textures. Cultivated moss is grown in controlled environments, ensuring consistent quality and a more sustainable supply chain that minimizes environmental impact.