How to Choose Easy-to-Care Moss
And how to raise them well

This book introduces the secrets to growing moss easily and simply.
Moss grows everywhere, so it's easy to think of it as easy to grow, but it's surprisingly difficult to keep it looking pretty and lasting a long time.
This is because we do not know the properties of moss well and grow it in the same way regardless of the type.
On the other hand, if you think that the soil, planting method, and cultivation method are too difficult, it will actually make it more difficult to grow the plants.
But with just a little bit of care, you can enjoy moss for a long time using simple methods.
I hope you create your own little forest and enjoy it for a long time.

Depending on the type, moss can be divided into moss that prefers dry, wet, and humid conditions.
Dry-loving mosses include fine-grained moss and lion's mantle, which are suitable for use in moss gardens or open moss terrariums.
Moss such as moss or tree moss, which like moisture that doesn't dry out their leaves, are suitable for a moss terrarium using a glass jar with a lid.
Moss such as baby's moss or baby's moss, which thrive in moist soil, are ideal for enclosed moss terrariums.
Algae that grow well in water, such as black moss, can be kept in tanks with fish such as loach.
--- From "Part 1 Types of Moss and Basic Planting Methods"

When creating a moss terrarium, it is important to choose moss that is as healthy as possible.
There are cultivated and naturally harvested moss types, but use cultivated moss that is as stable as possible.
When planting moss, cut off any withered or damaged parts with scissors before use.
If mold has formed on the surface of the moss, use different moss.
Also, if the moss gets damaged during transportation, it may start to smell bad.
The damaged moss suddenly turns yellow and dries after about three days.
Use moss that is as bright green as possible and has a glossy sheen.
--- From "Part 1 Types of Moss and Basic Planting Methods"

Gravel is essential when making a moss terrarium.
The gravel holds the moss in place and prevents it from absorbing excess moisture.
Gravel is made of stones that have been weathered by water and wind.
When choosing gravel, choose a stone with water-resistant properties if possible.
Limestone, shale, and sandstone break down over time due to the moisture they contain, or their hydrogen ion concentration (pH) changes.
Water-resistant materials such as limestone are suitable.
--- From "Part 2: Making a Moss Terrarium"

Moss terrariums, which can be described as miniature moss gardens, allow for easy management of temperature, humidity, and sunlight depending on the container or location.
However, it is not easy to control humidity or sunlight in a moss garden.
When I'm commissioned to create a moss garden, I choose moss that is strong against sunlight or that doesn't change shape much when dried.
--- From "COLUMN: Creating a Moss Garden"

Moss can be found all around us, whether in our home gardens, in our town parks, or along the roads leading to and from work.
It's not usually noticeable, but on rainy days, the moss becomes so moist that it turns a beautiful green color, making it easy to spot.
If you pay a little attention, you can encounter moss anywhere.
Of course, you can choose the type of moss you want to see in the moss guide and then climb the mountain to observe the moss you want.
Depending on the type of moss, the places where it can be observed vary.
--- From "Part 4 Observing Moss Outdoors"

The secret lies in the very structure of the moss.
Mosses were the first plants to migrate from water to land.
In water, you can suck water into your body's surface whenever you need it without worrying about water.
There is no need for vascular bundles to transport water absorbed from the roots, nor a cuticle layer to prevent water evaporation.
Moss is the one that started living on land in that state.
So, moss has no roots to absorb water, no vascular bundles to supply water and nutrients to support the body, and no developed cuticle layer.

--- From "Part 5 Learning About Moss"