Moss is a bio-indicator-type plant that cleans the air, reduces airborne pollutants, and improves the oval soil composition. It is used in many environmental projects for swamp retention cleaning and air quality restoration projects in areas where standing water has floating bacteria pads.
Its ability not only to clean the environment has made moss a very sought-after staple in landscaping in areas of shade and moisture, but its evergreen appearance makes it appealing to homeowners to plant in lawns where there’s shade, and typical grasses will not grow.
Mosses are non-vascular (without roots) plants that absorb moisture through humidity and precipitation. All 11,000 mosses receive nutrients from the water, air, and natural debris absorbed by moss greenery.
Mosses reproduce by spreading spores instead of seeds. Although fungi reproduce by spreading spores, mosses are not classified as fungi. Mosses are simple plants with tiny green leaves colored by chlorophyll. Fungi do not have leaves or chlorophyll.
Without a root system to anchor them in soil, mosses rely on rhizoids (thin, short filaments) to keep them attached to the ground. Non-vascular plants like mosses never grow more than a few inches high due to lacking roots for internal water transportation.
Mosses Grow in Sun or Shade
Some garden moss species need more sunlight than others for producing chlorophyll and photosynthesizing nutrients. Like other plants, mosses utilize their tiny leaves to absorb sunlight. Mosses also require sufficient water for photosynthesizing ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
The tree moss is a moss species that thrive in the consistent shade of minimal sunlight. Hardy and capable of withstanding overwatering, tree moss adapts well to loamy, rocky, or sandy soil. Landscapers place rocks covered with tree moss in areas where plants would be difficult to grow due to lack of sunlight.
Carpet moss is a hardy, fast-growing moss that thrives in shade or partial sun. With spiky foliage adopting a rosette-like pattern, carpet moss makes a decorative addition to gardens, landscapes and walkway edging.
Horizontal and Vertical Garden Mosses
Most species are further divided into horizontally growing mosses or vertically growing mosses. Pterocarpus mosses grow horizontally and are best suited for cultivation on trees, trellises, and vertical landscaping elements. Acrocarpous mosses grow on vertical surfaces, such as stones and ground. Pterocarpus mosses tend to grow thicker than acrocarpous mosses. However, what horizontally growing mosses lack in volume, they make up in length.
Mosses vs. Lichens: What the Difference?
Mosses and lichens belong to two different plant Kingdoms–mosses to Kingdom Plantae and lichens to multiple fungal Kingdoms. Lichens are not green like mosses but pale white or gray. Some lichens produce small “fruit”; mosses do not produce fruit. During wet, excellent conditions, lichens emerge from a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus. Lichens are not used as decorative components in gardens or landscaping because of their unattractive color and form.
How to Grow Garden Moss on Soil
The best way to start growing garden moss on a patch of soil is to dig up a chunk of moss and transplant it to the desired area. Use a leaf rake to loosen, dampen soil with water, and lay the moss sod on top. Press the moss into the soil with several rocks. This ensures the moss remains in contact with the soil.
Keep the moss moist as rhizomes take hold of the soil over the next several weeks. Tug on the moss leaves gently to find out if transplanted moss has anchored itself to the ground. If the moss sod doesn’t move, it’s likely the moss has anchored itself into the soil.
5 Best Types of Moss to Use for Environmental Cleaning
Moss Benefits for The Environment
Moss is a bio-indicator-type plant that cleans the air, reduces airborne pollutants, and improves the oval soil composition. It is used in many environmental projects for swamp retention cleaning and air quality restoration projects in areas where standing water has floating bacteria pads. Its ability not only to clean the environment has made moss a very sought-after staple in landscaping in areas of shade and moisture, but its evergreen appearance makes it appealing to homeowners to plant in lawns where there’s shade, and typical grasses will not grow.
Mosses are non-vascular (without roots) plants that absorb moisture through humidity and precipitation. All 11,000 mosses receive nutrients from the water, air, and natural debris absorbed by moss greenery. Mosses reproduce by spreading spores instead of seeds. Although fungi reproduce by spreading spores, mosses are not classified as fungi. Mosses are simple plants with tiny green leaves colored by chlorophyll. Fungi do not have leaves or chlorophyll.
Without a root system to anchor them in soil, mosses rely on rhizoids (thin, short filaments) to keep them attached to the ground. Non-vascular plants like mosses never grow more than a few inches high due to lacking roots for internal water transportation.
5 Best Types of Moss to Use for Environmental Cleaning
Cushion moss is the ultimate impact-free, low-maintenance solution for landscaping. It’s both a living and nonliving solution! Our moss is excellent for ground cover and can also be used as a natural weed blocker. It is environmentally friendly and sustainable and adds a plush touch to any home or garden.
Sheet Moss
Sheet Moss is a beautiful, modern alternative to your old-fashioned landscaping. It’s quick, easy, and affordable to install. Choose from various colors and styles to make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Sheet moss is an environmentally friendly alternative to grass and other types of landscaping. It’s perfect for tiny homes and yards, as it’s low-maintenance and easy to install. Sheet moss provides a cooling effect on the ground, which can lower the temperature by up to 15 degrees.
Pin Cushion Moss
Cushion moss is a naturally grown species that has many benefits. This plant can grow in many different environments and is often used to purify the air or simply as decoration. It is also very durable and can withstand toxic substances, making it great for plants indoors.
carpet moss is a super sustainable, green solution for any city-dweller looking to spruce up their home with a natural & non-toxic alternative to carpets or flooring. Lightweight, biodegradable, and made from recycled materials, our carpet moss system is the perfect way to introduce natural elements into your home.
Fern moss is a natural, organic way to cleanse the air in your home or office. It’s been shown to absorb harmful airborne pollutants (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene) that can make people sick or trigger allergies and asthma episodes. We’ve recently introduced a new line of fern moss products to help you achieve a healthy, clean home environment – including tabletop fern moss terrariums and hanging.
