Liquid fertilizer killing moss?

[Yugen]

I was wondering if anyone experienced moss dying from continual liquid fertilizer application? The fertilizer I use vacillates between fish fert and a 10-10-10 chemical 2-3 times a week at concentrations higher than stated on the packaging but way lower than I've seen seasoned enthusiasts employ. I have a feeling that maybe a quick wash of water post fertilizing could prevent the moss from dying?
Thanks!

 

[0soyoung]

High nitrogen is moss killer.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Nitrate fertilizers in particular will kill moss. Ammonia based fertilizers and fish emulsion will be less likely to kill moss. Generally I do not keep moss on trees between shows. When prepping for shows, I quit fertilizing after I put the moss on.

 

[Forsoothe!]

I was wondering if anyone experienced moss dying from continual liquid fertilizer application? The fertilizer I use vacillates between fish fert and a 10-10-10 chemical 2-3 times a week at concentrations higher than stated on the packaging but way lower than I've seen seasoned enthusiasts employ. I have a feeling that maybe a quick wash of water post fertilizing could prevent the moss from dying?
Thanks!

The canaries are dying in the coal mine, and you're worried about canaries. You are over-fertilizing by most standards.

 

[Yugen]

Ok! What would you suggest I change?

 

[Forsoothe!]

Give it a change to digest the food you've already given it. Whence & whither the moss? It likes the conditions of its origin. Replicate them.

 

[bonsaichile]

Ok! What would you suggest I change?

For starters, I would not use the chemical fertilizer more than once a week, ans only in complete inorganic substrates. Slow release pellets on top of soil, in different amounts (if at all) depending on the tree

 

[Yugen]

Give it a change to digest the food you've already given it. Whence & whither the moss? It likes the conditions of its origin. Replicate them.

The moss comes from walkways around the garden and the north side of an often moist stone training wall. I pick the moss and try to heal it before application by transfering to a drip tray with holes and pumice, then once established I transfer clods to the tree. I've yet to try Ryan Neil's way of using ground up green moss mixed with spagnum..

 

[Yugen]

For starters, I would not use the chemical fertilizer more than once a week, ans only in complete inorganic substrates. Slow release pellets on top of soil, in different amounts (if at all) depending on the tree

Thank you for your input!

 

[Yugen]

High nitrogen is moss killer.

Not sure what the fish fert is but my chemical one is 10-10-10 I hope this isn't too high in Nitrogen. I'll look for a 5-10-10

 

[Potawatomi13]

Indeed I have. However fertilizing once a week moss recovers quickly.

 

[Yugen]

Indeed I have. However fertilizing once a week moss recovers quickly.

Have you ever thought of or tried a quick watering shower offer fertilizing to clean off the moss? Do you use organic or chemical? Kinda scary to think of moss having the recover after every fert application. I guess the stuff just doesn't like fert?

 

[M. Frary]

I burn moss with one application of miracle grow at the rates I apply it.
If you're worried about pretty moss,don't.
No need for moss.
In fact the only time a tree should have it on the substrate is for showing.
It can actually hinder air flow through the substrate.
You're in this for the trees not the moss.

 

[Schmikah]

I burn moss with one application of miracle grow at the rates I apply it.
If you're worried about pretty moss,don't.
No need for moss.
In fact the only time a tree should have it on the substrate is for showing.
It can actually hinder air flow through the substrate.
You're in this for the trees not the moss.

My boy Ryan Neil might have something to say about that.

I think that's the right video. As long as the moss isn't limiting your ability to water then it's all good.

 

[rockm]

Ok! What would you suggest I change?

Sounds harsh, BUT I'd focus on trees, not moss. Moss is cyclical. It comes and goes. Trying to keep it alive and looking decent all the time is a waste of time, possibly at the expense of the tree it's in the pot with.

Moss is NOT a regular part of everyday bonsai. It's used for specific show purposes, added on and taken off...as for Ryan Neil being the end word on this, well, he's really not...

 

[sorce]

Just stick with the fish.

Doneski.

Welcome to Crazy!

Who is it?
Oh...it's Yugen!

Sorce

 

[bonsaichile]

Have you ever thought of or tried a quick watering shower offer fertilizing to clean off the moss? Do you use organic or chemical? Kinda scary to think of moss having the recover after every fert application. I guess the stuff just doesn't like fert?

it is not ideal to keep moss on your pots all the time. That's why most people here do not care. Moss is applied when you are going to show the tree, and then removed.

 

[MrWunderful]

Moss is heavily climate dependent. You will know if you live in the “right” area, as it will basically live on its own.

Mirai is in one of the wettest places in the country, ideal for moss growing. Im surprised it doesnt easily grow in victoria BC (went to Butchart gardens on my honeymoon cruise and loved it!)

I would try to correct what you are doing wrong Horticulturally (I also think too much fert) instead of worrying about the moss. With a healthy container biology, moss shouldnt be an issue - but it still might be beneficial to consider overall health of tree before the top dressing.

 

[sorce]

Everything in Moderation yeah?

Life, Dying, is a sign of severe imbalance.

Sure, excessive fertilizer gets you Growth, but it is clear, when Life dies, that something is wrong.
The man made product is the common denominator.

The fish made product that man bottles, increases health, resilience, vigour.
This stuff is seen the next year.

That is real strength, health, the beginning bonsai can be crafted on.

Where excessive chemical fert Growth attracts Pests,
Excessive Fish growth prevents them.

Sorce

 

[bonsaichile]

Everything in Moderation yeah?

Life, Dying, is a sign of severe imbalance.

Sure, excessive fertilizer gets you Growth, but it is clear, when Life dies, that something is wrong.
The man made product is the common denominator.

The fish made product that man bottles, increases health, resilience, vigour.
This stuff is seen the next year.

That is real strength, health, the beginning bonsai can be crafted on.

Where excessive chemical fert Growth attracts Pests,
Excessive Fish growth prevents them.

Sorce

That's baloney. Chemicals are chemicals, no matter how they are bottled. Fish fertilizer is just stinkier, that's all.