Mixed Up In Moss

Bioactive-style landscapes for your herptile (reptile and amphibian) is the natural way forward in the hobby. We should strive to provide the best environment especially in this current age. Moss is a small but key ingredient to the overall recipe of making a successful move.

This essential organism is a non-flowering, no roots, or vein system, plant. They are a part of a special group of land plants called Bryophytes. Water and nutrients are absorbed by their surface making them ideal tools for building humid settings. Equally, they provide good hiding places and meals for invertebrates.

Moss Covered Landscape

Even in desert habitats, they are useful in making shedding easy for an itchy Leopard Gecko. A humid hide filled with sphagnum moss is the common antidote. Any sort of enclosed container, with a hole cut for entry/exit, would do the trick. This kind of moss is readily available and used specifically in the herptile keeping hobby.

We can grow our own flora to cut down on costs and start a colony for any number of projects. Since moss doesn't produce seeds, spores are available to buy. Getting these in the wild may be unethical if not following the correct procedure to allow replenishment. Also, they may not be available if you live in a cold climate.

There is a new way to apply tropical mosses with relative ease. Blending each variety to a fine dust can make a slurry to apply directly to bark or substrate. Add in clay powder and you can start to mould a vertical wall. Time spent doing this will require time in waiting for it to flourish.

Light, moisture, aeration and heat are crucial for growth. Having all factors covered will make for a lush landscape. Much high esteem should be given to this silent worker that can make an average bioactive vivarium into a stunning one.