How to moss up a bonsai

Whether you want to present your bonsai at a show or simply want it to look nice on your growing benches you need to learn how to moss up a bonsai correctly.
Bonsai expert David Easterbrook digs into the complexities of applying moss on a bonsai tree which is almost an art of itself.

[@BlueJayBonsai]

Another great masterclass from sensei David! 👍👏 🐦💙

[@BonsaiSociety]

Thanks fellow Canadian for your support

[@NYBraveheart]

Agreed! A master class!

[@riccardozecchin9220]

I love your videos so much, today i particularly loved the little side stories about your teachers in Japan! I inherited an old ficus bonsai from my grandma and you inspired me to take up the art. It’s an amazing hobby and it’s been giving me so much pleasure and peace of mind ❤

[@OurWorldHealth]

P.S. I love the tangents. That is one of my favorite parts of bonsai tutorials like this. Give me history, lore, and theory. I want it all, not just the bare "how to". I do not practice bonsai to be succinct or quick. I do it to slow down and enjoy. So bring on the tangents.

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

The tangents also help you to remember things when put into context

[@supergrover17]

I agree. I really enjoy the tangents myself

[@NYBraveheart]

I love the tangents too. Bring 'em on. They're like doors into the world of bonsai. Thank you, Mr. Easterbrook!

[@joekerr5152]

It’s always great to hear people with a lot of experience chat even if you already know some of the material. There was more than a few helpful hints and historical facts!

[@ottoleonardo]

I could listen to you all day David, thanks for taking the time to teach all this, great video as always!

[@cblankenship3018]

Just beginning my journey, but have gathered enough trees to make my wife nervous over just a few months! I would buy more, but I can’t hide trees in the garage like the nice tools I spent too much money on! Hard to explain away packages arriving with Japanese writing on them. Your videos are ALWAYS full of valuable information. Thanks so much! P.S. I have lived in Bremerton, WA for 15 years. I drive by Elandan’s Gardens and always think I should go inside to see, but always too “busy.” Waiting now for a special day to tour and treat myself! You were the one to have to show me that place also. Most of the people around here don’t know much about that garden though they all drive by many times a year. Not obvious that Dan really wants a lot of people to come in there….from your videos, I can see that may be part of his personality….he is happy if your are enthusiastic enough to stop and look, but he is too busy with his Bonsai to care if you are too dumb to notice his amazing garden? I have a strict selfish policy to make sure I never “volunteer”, but I may check to see if Dan has a volunteer group to help work in his garden….can’t believe I am putting that down in writing!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I've never seen that ground cover before, it looks really good with the moss!!

[@pedroreyes5158]

Thanks, excellent class.

[@pansepot1490]

Very informative video and very interesting anecdotes. You’re an excellent teacher. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@BonsaiSociety]

It's not only knowledge but my experience after doing bonsai for 50 years. Thank you!

[@kevinprice7362]

Just Just started watching your videos thanks 😊

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

I grow my moss in trays with the fines I get when I sift my pumice, it's nice because its darker white and when I pull it out the pumice is already stuck to it.

[@leviknapp8430]

Great video, love the master's frank disclosure of his secret fertilizer recipe.

[@geethaaus5941]

Thank you Sir for all the info and also for explaining it in a easy way so that we can absorb what you are saying. You are a great teacher indeed. How to make sure the moss we are collecting is the right variety and it is not one which will take away the nutrients meant for the bonsai plant itself ?

[@brianparnell2256]

From someone who isn’t experienced that was a revelation. Thanks.

[@michaelharoldsen3580]

Great seminar David! Thank you for all your instructions on social media as well!

[@jasongannon7676]

If I ever made it in to Canada you are one I would visit.

[@RickAnnDaily]

This was great. Thank you

[@FrediOlson]

I'm not an experienced bonsai person, but I'm learning. I really love your videos, and I learn a lot. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@gavinwillox5720]

Never be sorry for tangents I’ve been studying bonsai for years and only now learned bout the tokonomo. Respect story. I’m ADHD and love your Videos. I was taught bonsai by Neli Stoyonova. I went to bonsai school and I’m still learning! Thank you

[@isidroalbertgarcia2396]

Very nice master Class, thanks 🙏

[@melanievanleeuwen4076]

You're the best!!!

[@cherylcreates]

Bonsai beginner here. This is helpful information. Thanks!

[@JamesDKlr]

Greetings fom Ohio. Your techniques and explanations are wonderful, and always according to sound principles. Thank you

[@shaunbates49]

I learnt a lot about mossing Bonsai from this seminar thank you

[@BOSS-dc7gt]

This man is very knowledgeable and funny

[@murray821]

That little plant covering is very nice! I wish I could find some of that here in the Netherlands. I do have a Irish moss problem in my garden, that stuff keeps sprouting up everywhere. I try to take it out as often as possible, and I even take chucks of soil with it because the fine roots mesh everything together. No point in getting the soil out, as it will regrow the Irish moss anyway. Great class about mossing up the bonsai!

[@Ollieslife101]

Hey Mr. Easterbrook do you think sometime b4 spring you can do a how to video of how to personally set up and do air layers..I've tried for a couple years and just can't seen to get roots.. Huge fan and I got into Bonsai about 3 years ago and you and Nigel Saunders have my climate kinda here in michigan so I really love u channel especially. Your a great inspiration and teacher..

[@supergrover17]

Yes, I agree. A session on how to air layer would be very helpful. TY!

[@janeplatt8254]

Thanks David great video tree looks beautiful 🇬🇧😊❤️

[@salvatorepetralia4000]

Thanks for the heads up on not using Irish moss or perhaps Scottish moss..... Very aggressive...

[@bonsaibro]

Thank you for another great lesson. I love these Videos!

[@BonsaiSociety]

Thanks bro!

[@ginettecharbonneau5814]

Such a great teacher...thank you !

[@BIRATBONSAI]

Great master

[@ReillyR99]

Anither video by david! Would David ever accept any weekend students next summer? I’m from sudbury and would love to learn from in person not just KZbin

[@BonsaiSociety]

Get in touch with me through my Facebook page or my email. Thank you Reilly

[@ReillyR99]

@@BonsaiSociety thank you David!

[@hanspeter6198]

Good video. Looking forward for the next one

[@BonsaiSociety]

More will come! Thanks for the engagement

[@thenaturecreater8906]

Great video. Learnt allot!

[@vladimirtrousil677]

Very educative as usual Thank you David I have different aproach to moss. I prefer bare substrat of having better visual control of moist. For the shows is different story Moss it must.

[@BonsaiSociety]

Nature does not like bare surfaces. You can always leave a little bit uncovered to check for watering

[@vladimirtrousil677]

Thanks for reply Yes I can do that. @@BonsaiSociety

[@thetruthchannel7073]

Love your videos excellent as always..you make it look so easy lol.. just asking a question I own a ficus retusa tree and it's been pruned when I bought it it but the only left 4 branches at the top of the tree.. such a shame really could have been a very nice bonsai so there's no lower branches I can see where it's been pruned all the way up the tree my question is is will I ever be able to grow lower branches on the tree ever again thank you...

[@greenhawk1592]

great video , Thank you!

[@BonsaiSociety]

I appreciate it

[@Chris-oq6kn]

Great video. Love the in depth detail. Prob best yt video out there how to moss up a bonsai. Thanks! Would love to know any tips from this kyoto moss they sell online on the best way to grow these spores

[@BonsaiSociety]

I just tried twice to grow Kyoto spores and they never germinated but what they call Kyoto spores is actually a moss that grows in Japan and here called Bryum argenteum so you can find some fresh stuff here

[@Chris-oq6kn]

@@BonsaiSociety thanks dave ! Great video

[@creightonfreeman8059]

Do you ever have trouble with birds or chipmunks digging around in your moss?

[@supergrover17]

I do 🙄

[@tasanastasi7799]

Excellent ! THANK YOU

[@veroniquecompagnion1216]

Salut David. Ta capsule sur les mousses est très intéressante. As-tu déjà essayé les mousses de la conférencière québécoise qu’on a eu à la société ? Onm’à dit que c’était peu accessible. Patrick

[@jeffdowswell7706]

Are there any species you wouldn't apply moss for a show?

[@BonsaiSociety]

No because it can be temporary. Often trees in the Pine family enjoy more heat and air circulation and less water retention so we leave them uncovered when they're not in shows

[@3nigma.3nc]

I don't know if it's because of different moss species but in FL I have moss that grows quite vigorously on coarse, rocky substrate.

[@Caseydog3]

Can you grow moss from spores or something?

[@BonsaiSociety]

Sure! But any part of the moss can regenerate

[@Johnny87Au]

Is this just for show or can you actually keep the bonsai on there permanently?

[@joshuagraham716]

How do you spell that moss alternative ? Can’t seem to find it . Great video!

[@supergrover17]

That plant you are referring to is called "Callitriche Terrestris Raf."

[@supergrover17]

I googled it and it's apparently native to North America

[@g4tsby590]

Hey David. Nice video! Not sure if you said it in the video, but when is a good time to apply moss to the tree? Thanks!

[@BonsaiSociety]

Anytime is good

[@g4tsby590]

Thanks! In that Case, I will start collecting soon

[@Bukpie]

Lichen isn't a symbols of algae and moss but rather from fungus and algae

[@anny6587]

What kind of moss is this ?

[@mrmannel6641]

Hi, whats the name of the green plant? Cant understand? on 18:24

[@supergrover17]

That plant you are referring to is called "Callitriche Terrestris Raf."

[@supergrover17]

I googled it and it's apparently native to North America

[@sergewerner497]

ou peut on acheter de l'akadama fin?

[@BonsaiSociety]

De l'akadama fin est de 2 à 4mm. Ceci peut être acheté chez n'importe quel fournisseur de bonsaï

[@andydejpour2002]

Great job David 👏

[@sergewerner497]

@@BonsaiSociety je ne connais aucun fournisseur de bonsai dans la région de Montréal.

[@matts7135]

The birds destroy any moss covering I apply almost immediately :(

[@dangray]

Sorry, I just don't see how that jin improves the design.

[@BonsaiSociety]

It was naturally collected like that so why remove it

[@garyjohnson2989]

Shit bro, u missed talking bout irish moss which is bad af!!! The roots from irish moss will kill a bonsai!!!