How Do I Use Preserved Moss?

Welcome to our guide on how to use preserved moss! If you're looking to add a touch of natural beauty to your home decor, preserved moss is an excellent choice. Unlike live plants, preserved moss requires no watering, sunlight, or soil, making it a versatile and low-maintenance option for a variety of creative projects. In this guide, we'll explore the different ways you can use preserved moss to enhance your living spaces, from designing unique terrariums to creating stunning wall art. 

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What are the uses of preserved moss? 

A versatile and low-maintenance decorative element, here are some creative uses for preserved moss:

• Terrariums: Add greenery to your indoor garden by incorporating preserved moss into terrariums. It provides a natural and textured ground cover for miniature landscapes.
• Wall Art: Create moss wall art by arranging preserved moss in a frame or hoop. You can make patterns, shapes, or even words for a unique and eco-friendly piece.
• Décor: Use preserved moss in the creation of wreaths, kokedama/topiary balls, and covered letters and polystyrene shapes. When decorating a tablescape, tuck preserved moss around candles or vases, into floral arrangements, or drape it over tables.  
• No-nonsense greenery: Add no-maintenance greenery to your work or home space by placing preserved moss in bowls, jars, or hanging containers. 
• Retail Displays: Preserved moss in retail displays is eye-catching and low-maintenance, which makes for standout, long-lasting arrangements.

What are some maintenance tips for using preserved moss?

Preserved moss is pretty low-maintenance, but it still requires a little care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading over time. Keep it in indirect light for the best results.
2. Watch the Humidity: Moderate humidity might make preserved moss appear more lush, whilst very low humidity could make it seem a bit drier.
3. Light Dusting: Dust can accumulate on the surface of preserved moss. Gently dust it off using a soft brush or a can of compressed air.
4. Avoid Water: To avoid potential damage, keep preserved moss in a dry environment and do not water.
5. Handle with Care: Handle preserved moss gently to avoid breaking or damaging the delicate structures.
6. Indoor Use Only: Only use preserved moss indoors where it can maintain its appearance for a longer period.

Tips for designing with preserved moss:

Working with preserved moss can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Use the Right Tools: Use gentle tools like soft brushes, tweezers, or your hands (clean and dry) when handling preserved moss. Avoid sharp or rough tools that could damage the delicate structures.
2. Gluing Techniques: Use an appropriate adhesive that won't damage moss. Apply hot glue or craft glue sparingly to avoid affecting the texture of your moss. 
3. Mix and Match: Combine preserved moss with preserved flowers, artificial flowers, or greenery to create visual dynamism. Mixing textures and colours of different moss types also offers an easy way to create depth in your project. 
4. Work from a Base: A base such as foam or cardboard can provide much-needed structure and support. This will also minimise the amount of moss you need to use. 
5. Secure Moss in Place: If you're mounting moss vertically, like on a wall, make sure the moss is securely attached via the use of mesh or a backing structure.

Can preserved moss get wet? 

Preserved moss is designed to maintain its vibrant colour and texture without the need for water or sunlight, thanks to the preservation process it undergoes. Wetting preserved moss is generally not recommended because:

• Preservation Integrity: The preservation process typically involves replacing the natural moisture in the moss with a preserving agent. Adding water can disrupt this balance and potentially damage the moss.
• Mould and Mildew: Introducing moisture to preserved moss can create a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
• Structural Damage: Water can make preserved moss less pliable and more prone to breaking or losing its shape.

Koch Tip: If you accidentally wet preserved moss, gently blot it with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area. To keep your preserved moss looking its best, it's important to keep it dry and dust-free.

How do I store preserved moss? 

Taking care of your moss is fundamental to its longevity. Here's what you can do to maximise the lifetime of your stored moss: 

• Store in Cool, Dry Place: Keep your preserved moss in a cool, dry place. Excess heat or humidity can affect its appearance over time. For best results, keep it in a space with a consistent, moderate temperature.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid exposing preserved moss to direct sunlight during storage to avoid possible fading.
• Ventilation: Ensure there's some ventilation in the storage area, as good airflow helps maintain its quality.
• Protect from Dust: A breathable cloth or paper covering can help prevent the accumulation of dust without trapping moisture.
• Avoid Compression: Don't store preserved moss in a way that compresses it. 

As you can see, the uses for preserved moss are multitudinous and limited only by your imagination. With a huge range of moss varieties in a wide array of colours available commercially, it's now easier than ever to find a moss variety that best suits your next creative project. For more information about and the uses of preserved moss, check out our blogs What is Preserved Moss? and How to Correctly Use Mossing Pins and explore our extensive range of preserved moss products.