The Lowdown on Moss Bowls: Your Essential DIY Guide
Creating Your Very Own Preserved Moss Bowl: DIY Guide Revamped
Fed up with your coffee table looking dull and drab? Tired of that empty bowl on your dining table? Bored with your uninspiring mantlepiece? Well, getting them spruced up has never been easier!
Meet the latest trend to set Pinterest alight – moss bowls. With a blend of architectural charm and horticultural originality, these eye-catching pieces are perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home decor. Without further ado, let's dive into this easy peasy DIY project and get some greenery going!
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Which Moss Bowl is Best for You?
Live or preserved – that is the question! Choosing the right moss plays a crucial role in how you make your moss bowl and how you'll maintain it once it's done. Both have their pros and cons, and it's essential to understand them to make an informed decision.
Preserved Moss Bowl
If you love good things without the extra effort, this is where it's at! Preserved moss, which is a real moss that has been treated to look alive, offers all the vibrancy with none of the hassle. Watering, sunlight, and pruning are a thing of the past – enjoy your time instead of worrying about your moss!
There's no harm in picking one type of moss for a cohesive look, or combining a few for some texture. You'll look fly AF either way!
👉 Check out preserved moss options on Etsy
Already have some live moss? No worries! Check out our guide on how to transform live moss into preserved moss.
Live Moss Bowl
If you're a true plant enthusiast who appreciates all things green, live moss might be right up your alley. With high moisture and humidity needs, however, it presents a bit of a challenge when it comes to a moss bowl open to air.
Live moss dries out and dies without constant moisture, so unless you dream of being a full-time stay-at-home moss mister, live moss isn't the best fit for the job.
On to the good stuff!
Moss Bowl DIY Guide
Grab Your Moss
In theory, any moss can be preserved, but terrarium mosses are still your best bet for creating a stunning moss bowl. Opt for mosses with some height for better structure and sculpting. Here are some options to consider:
- Fluffy, clumpy mosses like Cushion Moss or Mood Moss – our go-to choices.
- Reindeer Moss (which is actually a lichen).
- Thicker, textured sheet Mosses like Fern Moss.
Prepped and ready to go! Now let's talk about the bowl.
Prepare Your Bowl
You can fill your bowl right up with moss, but a cardboard base could save you some precious moss. Just add some newspaper or cloth if you like (or cut out a cardboard circle, if you're feeling fancy). This trick will help you use less moss and save some cash!
Sculpt Your Moss
Wear gloves when handling preserved moss to prevent temporary staining of your hands and surfaces. Start from the outside in, placing moss chunks on their side and pressing them into the bowl. Begin with larger pieces for a stable base, then add smaller pieces to fill in any gaps. Press the moss inwards to reduce air spaces, giving it a natural, dense look. You can spruce things up with small hardscape pieces if you like!
And there you have it, your very own moss bowl masterpiece! Take pride in your creation and show it off – it deserves all the attention!
If you're curious about what to do next, check out our guide on how to make a moss wall for your next creative adventure.
Sources:
- Moss Landscaping and Preserving: Horticulture Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duplicate/moss_books/
- Common Mosses for Terrariums | Repterraria. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.repterraria.com/common-mosses/
- Moss. (2021, November 15). In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/moss
- How to Preserve Moss | Keeping Moss Long-Term. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://devotedcreations.com/how-to-preserve-moss-keeping-moss-long-term/
- Preserved Moss – How to Use and Care for Your New Plants. (2021, June 30). Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.floristsuk.co.uk/blog/preserved-moss-care-6-steps-to-success-at-home/
Invigorate your home-and-garden lifestyle by adding a touch of nature to your home decor with a stylish moss bowl. To complement your lifestyle, choose between preserved moss bowls for minimal maintenance or live moss bowls for a true plant enthusiast's experience in your home-and-garden or gardening projects.
