2 Ways to Grow your own Moss at Home

Here is a tutorial on 2 easy methods of growing your own moss at home from foraged moss (please use respectful and sustainable foraging practices)
The 2 methods are Transplanting and Propagating and this video follows along a 2 month journey of growing moss from scratch
It's easy to see the differences in how the moss grows when comparing the 2 methods and either method has it's place in the moss growing world
If you would like to know any more info,I will gladly help out in the comments!
You can also follow my other social accounts under the handle @/forest_floor_terrariums (Instagram, TikTok & Pinterest)

[@PNTBLNK]

This is one of the best videos on growing moss. A lot of creators of moss propagation tutorials tend to fill the entire container with moss simply showing us how to care for moss rather than showing how to make smaller patches spread and grow in size. And you have done a great job of showing this. The goal of propagating moss should be to multiply what you have taken from the wild in order to avoid wasting the energy of having to go out and disturb nature multiple times.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Ah thank you! I'm trying to show that it is possible to grow your own without having to use nature as your primary source. And its also important to show people not to expect instant results but to also know that good results are in fact possible with a little bit of patience and consistency

[@stancexpunks]

Moreso to avoid depleting nature’s resources..

[@TechnoGlobalist]

jeah man good video

[@floorgangmember2117]

Finally some one showing it's result this video is really helpful and cute I'm very excited about my moss i tried the transplant method it looks so fluffy❤

[@leonardotheuseless4188]

The best moss propagating video I've seen, I'm going to try out the second method

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Good luck!

[@demaloe]

This is the most helpful and relaxing moss propagation video out there! Thank you for putting this out.

[@latoyajackson4314]

i feel like fairies were casually flying about as you made this video 😄. it's so serene. thx 🧚🏿‍♀️🧚🏻🧚‍♂️🧚🏾🧚🏻‍♀️

[@9catlover]

love it. i have been taking moss from a forest near me (they have tons and will never run out) and pasting it onto bare patches of my grass lawn. eventually i want the whole grass lawn to be moss. i may try your method too, but it may be slower. moss is just so stunning and grass takes too much time to mow and keep lush green in the summer. it needs too much water

[@ArleyDrop]

I always get so happy when I see you posted a video, i really love the quality of your content ❤

[@forestfloorterrariums]

This means so much to me, thank you 💚

[@SigitPd-hf1fx]

Nice video man, i appreciated that and is fun to see the moss growth in month after month in just 5 minute, i like this video🎉🎉

[@FPVivid]

Hi FFT, thank you for the mid-day relaxation content

[@juliapolley1627]

I LOVE this , thank you

[@shoaibbuet]

Awesome tips thanks

[@Cantcan]

This was exactly what I needed to know and who knew you could asmr miss propagation 😊

[@themacroworld_]

love this video

[@Doodfrumspace11]

Freaking nice! I’m gonna do this ❤

[@joycebroekate3566]

Do you open the box sometimes for oxygen or something? And if you put it in a jar would work the same way? I'm gonna try anyways:D I love moss and loved watching your video thank you!

[@forestfloorterrariums]

I recommend opening monthly to refresh airflow - but its really not necessary if you don't have mold issues. A jar would work just as well. Anything that you can seal and that is transparent will work. Try with as many different types of moss as you can for variety - some moss species adapt easier than others

[@joycebroekate3566]

@@forestfloorterrariums thank you for taking the time and responding to my question.

[@nerdqueent3281]

What kind of containers are those?!😮 love the video, thank you🎉❤

[@forestfloorterrariums]

They are meant for Fridge organisation lol. I like to use them because they fit onto most windowsils and stack nicely without blocking too much light

[@ciscomontano]

Thank you for the video. I was wondering if you opened the container and sprayed it in the first month or second month. If so, how often. I would really appreciate any information. Thanks again for the video.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

I didn't spray it or open it up at all. I only spray the moss if I am harvesting from the container or if I am trimming the moss (you can use the trimmings to grow more moss and increase your yeald further)

[@carolinaop5641]

That's great. I love it. Thank you for the video. I wanted to ask you if the moss can then be transplanted into your own garden and, if so, how to keep it alive? As the moisture levels won't be the same as in the container. Would you say to do this process at the end of the year, so the new moss is ready to be transplanted into the garden in the Spring, when it is getting warmer and it has time to settle into the new spot? I was thinking of a rockery area, where it gets bright but no direct sunlight. Any other suggestions? Thanks again 💚

[@forestfloorterrariums]

It can be quite tricky getting moss to grow in your garden, but here are my suggestions - use the propagation method directly on the spot in your garden. It will be easier for the moss to grow from scratch in an area rather than transplanting (this is specific to outdoor planting). Whichever season is your rainy season is the season I would recommend propagating the moss as you are going to need to keep that area damp until the moss establishes itself. It will take longer but once established you should have moss in that area for life. You can also combine the methods. So use the propagation method mostly but also transplant small bits of moss - this will increase the chances of the moss taking hold of the area

[@forestfloorterrariums]

You kind of want the moss to be a bit established before the hotter months arrive. Heat has a tendancy to dry moss out and can also burn moss that hasn't fully colonised So if your winters aren't too cold (I.e you don't have snow) then I would spend the winter trying to establish the area with moss

[@carolinekloppert5177]

very interesting

[@jingzhang9007]

Hi, I love your videos😀. Sorry if I've missed it somewhere, but what type of moss is this one? The form looks beautiful with transplant. Love that it's unevenly grown. thanks a lot.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

I didn't buy this moss commercially so i don't have a solid identification. I'm so terrible at moss identification because it grows so differently when cultivated compared to how it grows in my garden and there are just SO many types its hard to pinpoint the exact species. I've gotten as far as Tortula murulis in terms of identification, but I'm not fully satisfied

[@jingzhang9007]

That’s good enough. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@stancexpunks]

@@jingzhang9007 yes, I believe it’s star moss as well. But I’m not sure if it’s Tortula Ruralis or Syntrichia Ruralis, as these are both referred to as star moss and look very similar to each other.

[@friede6256]

Do you open the lid from time to time? And do you spray water? Or do you just leave the boxes untouched?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Didn't open the lid at all between each month - I would recommend opening once monthly. Just to refresh the airflow I also didn't water at all and still haven't watered. Usually only water them if I transplant it to a terrarium or a pot. If the moss is looking slightly shrivelled then you can spray a few sprays. But as long as there is condensation in the container - you know the humidity is enough

[@friede6256]

@@forestfloorterrariums Thank you!

[@lebenarium4817]

Great content Jade. I tried to propagate my moss from the street. It's been 4 month since i put it in the container. It's grow very slowly. I made a tranSplant method. The moss grows higher but don't spread ... Do you have any suggestions ?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Try chopping it up finely and using the propagation method. It covers a larger surface area

[@Cynosapiens]

Hi ! Very great video, very interesting ! 😀 When you say "bonsai clay", are you talking about something like akadama ? 🤔

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Yes! In my country its just called bonsai clay haha

[@Cynosapiens]

@@forestfloorterrariums Thank you for the clarification ! I wasn't sure if that was what it was, because I didn't recognize the grittiness of the akadama. I thought it might be some kind of powdered clay. 🙂

[@angrakamelot]

Ty for the vid, i'm doing the same two methods as in your video rn, i placed the containers outside in my balcony, should i put them inside? :P

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Put them wherever has the best lighting!

[@angrakamelot]

@@forestfloorterrariums thanks!

[@nicholasaquino4029]

I luv it btw can I do it in all terrestrial mosses?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Try and experiment with as many kinds of moss as possible. Some species are more suited to cultivation than others

[@gregoryrunningelk865]

What about air flow? Gas exchange? How often do you open the lid? Or check on it?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Don't have any issues with keeping it sealed. I only opened the lid monthly to check the progress but you can go longer. If everything if properly sterilised you shouldn't have mold issues

[@MorsnFrash]

I might have or have not done the propagtion then transplant both in the same container (i hope my moss will be normal)

[@user-yh2hi3zy6t]

Heya, could i also do this with regular soil from my garden where the moss grows?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Yes!

[@nicholasaquino4029]

did you open them in between the first month?

[@EmileBarnard-eb6cx]

Hi FFT, I'd like to know, after propagating and acclimatizing the moss, how would one transplant the moss to the final terarium container ? Thanks very much in advance

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Okay, so depending on the type of moss you have. You can use a spoon or scraper to gently lift or pull the moss you want to transplant. After you have taken it out - add it to your new container and gently push the moss down into the area. Apply a slight pressure to make sure the moss is sitting firmly on the new soil/substrate. Then add a few sprays of water directly onto the moss to further solidify it. You can do this in smaller or bigger patches depending on the size of the container. Very similar to how I transplanted the forraged moss in the beginning of the video. Allow for like 2 days for the moss to bounce back from you transplanting it

[@EmileBarnard-eb6cx]

@@forestfloorterrariums Thanks so much for responding i appreciate it very much, thanks for the great video!

[@pipilotti333]

Love it ❤ Namaste

[@fatemaakhter4874]

nice bro

[@Trillionare_hub]

Hey man do u have to regularly water it or just leave for a mpnth or two??

[@forestfloorterrariums]

I just leave it, I typically only water after I have harvested

[@son_60han]

Why Did you not wash off the dirt when transplanting ? And did you use tap water when spraying ?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

The origional moss that I transplanted is from my garden, the dirt its growing in is okay to transplant. Washing it would have broken the moss up further making it more difficult to manage. I use filtered water for all my moss and rain water when available

[@gregoryrunningelk865]

Okay! But what temperature do you have it in and how long is the light on for?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

It sits on my windowsil between 17 and 34 degrees Celsius - I don't regulate the temperature, its just up to the day. The lighting is about 2-3 hours of dappled afternoon lighting with bright indirect lighting throughout the day

[@emilcesantos5779]

Hola, no vuelves a rociar con agua cada vez ?

[@Lemons_1]

1:14 Could i also use regular seed and cutting pot soil for growing the moss?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Regular seed? Can you elaborate what you mean by that? I have used potting soil and my only issue was other weeds growing amongst the moss. But the moss still grew

[@Lemons_1]

@@forestfloorterrariumsI mean soil to grow seeds and cuttings in, it’s softer and probably has more nutrients

[@pengrajinlistrik]

thank🎉

[@blackpearl2635]

In the second method can we just leave the container open? If i leave it open should i mist it regularly? And what about the lighting period when it is kept open?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

You can leave the container open, you will just need to be careful of low humidity levels (moss likes around 70% or higher humidity) you can mist daily to help but it won't grow as fast if the humidity isn't consistent enough

[@blackpearl2635]

​@@forestfloorterrariumsI kept the container closed for 3 days..now I am seeing some fungus growing along with the moss fragments 🥲

[@forestfloorterrariums]

@@blackpearl2635 hydrogen peroxide - dab it on the infected area and it should fizzle away. Might take a few treatments over a couple weeks but it should eventually come right. You can find at most pharmacy's for pretty cheap

[@blackpearl2635]

​@@forestfloorterrariumswell i have another problem now ...there are a lot of tiny white worms roaming in between the moss 😢

[@forestfloorterrariums]

@@blackpearl2635 are they harming your moss? They could be nematodes, which are good for soil health

[@markjoshuaorcullo4578]

is this moss hhe same with the one they used for aquascaping?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

No, this is terrestrial moss

[@MountainDo912]

How often and how much do you water it? My poor moss keeps going brown

[@forestfloorterrariums]

I don't water it too often, mainly when I the moss out of the container to use. Then I'll refresh the water Brown moss seems to be a lighting issue for me. Try a brighter spot ✨

[@MountainDo912]

@@forestfloorterrariums It is already starting to look greener! Thank you!

[@theroxen4036]

Do we need to do drainage holes or not

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Not necessarily - but you need to be careful of the water content. Don't use tap water and only mist the moss

[@PuttingOnTheFoil]

I'm assuming the clay provides some necessary minerals etc? I tried the propagation method with just the coco coir and it's growing soooooo slowly and not really thriving.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

I haven't found much difference in growing speed when I use coco coir vs clay. Try moving it to a brighter and warmer spot.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

The moss is also initially slower growing in the beginning while it is acclimatising. You might just need a little patience while it establishes itself

[@sunshinecarnivores1919]

Can you use peat moss if you don't have coco peat?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Yes, sifted potting soil also works

[@bethhillhouse4929]

This is wonderful! Exactly the type of information i needed, will be trying tye second method, thank you so much 😁😁

[@goodwin370]

Hello. I want your advice or tips on how to grow moss. No matter how many times I try and no matter what methods I use, the moss does not grow. It does not reproduce and I do not know what to do. The longest experiment lasted half a year, the moss did not even think of reproducing.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

What type of moss are you using and where did you find it? Forest mosses are the hardest to grow because forest environments are so intricate. Try finding a moss that grows in your backyard or somewhere relatively close to where you live. This will be the easiest because its already acclimated to the general surroundings. When growing your own moss you gotta be consistent with the type and amount of light as well as the temperature. Consistent environment = a safe place for moss to reproduce

[@pom5716]

Might be that your soil is not acidic enough. moss prefers a pH level of 5.5 hope that helps!

[@goodwin370]

@@pom5716 Thanks for the answer, this is the soil I use.

[@goodwin370]

@@forestfloorterrariums I use moss that grows near my house in the city, I can't tell what kind, but it seems to be Tortula ruralis because of the star-shaped stems. I used different types of moss, and different combinations of everything, so I don't understand what's wrong) And thank you for answering, you are the first blogger who decided to help)

[@forestfloorterrariums]

@@goodwin370 what type of lighting are you using? Natural light or artificial?

[@jenz.7290]

Hey, I did the exact same thing on the second method about the propagation method, but on mine is growin some white fluffy hair. Anyone knows what it is? im giving them enough sprays of water and fresh soil tho.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

The white fluffy layer could be a fungus that was laying dormant in the moss. Increase the airflow in your container until its gone

[@jenz.7290]

@@forestfloorterrariums thanks I am going to try it.

[@deadlynightshade9615]

can someone help i'm trying to cover like an acre in moss, theres already a ton of moss everywhere some areas are just moss but others have grass interspersed I just want straight up moss everywhere i love moss HELP !!!

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Maybe get rid of the grass? Then there will be more moisture available for the moss (total guess on my side)

[@stancexpunks]

Do you sell any of the moss you propagate?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Sometimes I have story sales on my insta - but for the most part I don't sell the moss. I use the moss I grow for terrariums - which I then sell

[@andresindoors]

Question if you do the second method do you need to wash the moss??

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Depends where you are taking the moss from, washing it will help get rid of excess debris but you'll need to let it dry out again before shaking it up

[@user-gx6rt1zb7p]

Is it normal soil??

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Its a clay/peat-moss combo

[@dangboor4277]

how to grow large dog?

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Not my field of expertise. Maybe ask another dog?

[@dangboor4277]

@@forestfloorterrariums I did and he replied: "waf waf wrroof bark bark"

[@forestfloorterrariums]

@@dangboor4277 did you try Google translate?

[@dangboor4277]

@@forestfloorterrariums no I do not trust that woke website

[@drea4pres970]

Why can’t you just talk? Are you a mute.

[@forestfloorterrariums]

Yes