Moss and Wood in viv

[clownonfire]

Hi,

Some of you have been helping me with building the new vivarium for the D. azureus I'll be getting this Summer (http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...rog-forum.html).

The viv is almost completed. I would like to grow moss on the java wood in it. Now I know I will need to put grooves or to sand it before anything. And that light AND humidity are two important factors. If anyone knows:

1. Easy/best moss to grow on wood;
2. Tips and/or how to...

It would be of much help.

Thanks, always,

Eric

PS: Attached is the Java Wood.

[MikeM670]

I just ordered the three different moss packages available from Josh Frogs. One of the types listed is called Green Tree Moss. The description says it is good for growning on wood, substrate ect. Maybe this might be of interest to you.

[clownonfire]

I just ordered the three different moss packages available from Josh Frogs. One of the types listed is called Green Tree Moss. The description says it is good for growning on wood, substrate ect. Maybe this might be of interest to you.

Thanks, Mike! It looks like it's what I need. I'll try and figure out where to get some of that around here (in Montreal)... And your viv looks beautiful, btw!

[MikeM670]

Thanks, Mike! It looks like it's what I need. I'll try and figure out where to get some of that around here (in Montreal)... And your viv looks beautiful, btw!

Eric,

Thank you for the compliment. When some of that moss comes in I will be adding it to the 55 gallon. Now if I can only wait for a bit to allow things to settle in.

I'm already planning my next project.

[clownonfire]

Eric,

Thank you for the compliment. When some of that moss comes in I will be adding it to the 55 gallon. Now if I can only wait for a bit to allow things to settle in.

I'm already planning my next project.

Frog hobbyst = Not very patient.

I've read on some threads that some use cotton tope to attach the moss to the wood, some use superglue. Have you tried any, or do you have a different technique?

[MikeM670]

Eric,

I have not tried attaching moss to wood yet. But I think you could use fishing line to secure it. That is what I did with a orchid in my first viv.

[turborg]

cut an old pair of pantyhose into stips and use that, my mother has used this many times to get some plants attached to a tree

[clownonfire]

cut an old pair of pantyhose into stips and use that, my mother has used this many times to get some plants attached to a tree

Great idea (says my wife!). We will try this one. And we will also try and make a moss paste as suggested on Growing moss - UBC Botanical Garden Forums (to see which one will work):

1. Gather a clump of moss (remove as much dirt from the moss as possible).
2. Add moss into a blender (a good ratio is 1 part moss to 4 parts liquid).
3. Add LIQUID INGREDIENT (see options listed below). **You only need to use enough to allow the blender to blend everything. It should end up as a very thick "soup".
4. Blend thoroughly to pulverize the moss.
5. Spread the soupy mixture onto your object with a brush wherever you want the moss to grow. Or use your hands to "pat-pat" the gloppy mixture onto your container. I think the hand technique is the easiest and works great! ;-)
Liquid Ingredient Options
• One can of beer + 1 tsp - 2 tsp sugar: or
• 1 cup buttermilk; or
• 1 cup yogurt

[DonLisk]

Wow that seems cool. My wife is looking at me now as she knows I'm reading Frog Forum and asking for the blender :-)

[MikeM670]

Don,

LOL...your wife must be a patient woman! I have thought about seeding the 55 with this method. Not sure I could sneak the blender past the wife!!!

[bshmerlie]

Wow that seems cool. My wife is looking at me now as she knows I'm reading Frog Forum and asking for the blender :-)

Wow...between the fruit fly mix and moss your wife is never going to use that blender again.

[clownonfire]

Moss and wood and......mold!

I was a bit worried when I first saw mold on the Java (coffee) wood today, but after a few searches on this forum, I learned that moss is common in new vivs, and is a sign of things settling in. Good to know. I've also read on another board (it was only for research of course), that mushrooms might also appear...

Oh, and springtails will eat the mold, if seeded of course. There, now you know.

[Leefrogs]

cool!