A “mosspot” is a type of vivarium, a self-contained ecosystem where moss is central to the design. Mosses are popular ingredients for terrariums because of their lush, green character that effortlessly adds texture and depth to any design. Whether you want to create the effect of rolling hills, dense jungle or a wild grassland – there is a moss species for every application.
Mosspots can effortlessly add a touch of nature to any home or office and can be made in almost all shapes and sizes. These indoor gardens are low-maintenance, compact and thrive in indirect sunlight, making them a versatile addition to any interior.
Difference with houseplants
Unlike “ordinary” houseplants, most moss pots do not require regular watering and can thrive for months without any intervention. Provided a few basic rules are followed, mainly in terms of location, moss pots are perfect for those who lack even the smallest green thumb.
Difference with moss walls
Unlike most moss walls, moss pots always contain live moss.
Moss walls are often made from dried or preserved reindeer moss (which is not even a real moss at all) that is further dyed. Often, the water content of the moss is replaced with a glycerine solution so that it still appears “natural”. In itself, therefore, this is nothing more than a 3D “painting” or relief.
“Real” moss walls are also sometimes offered, but since a constant water supply must be provided on a large vertical surface, they are expensive and unless sealed, they also have a serious effect on the humidity in the house.
How to get them
You can buy mossaria in the more expensive interior design shops and larger flower shops, but these are generally “band-aids”, and are often sold at their peak without consideration of the long-term health of the terrarium. So you often find cacti and succulents in closed or semi-closed containers, an environment that makes them unhappy.
You can also find them online through creative webshops like Etsy, but this has its own drawbacks; transporting a live, assembled mossarium is risky. Not only is it temperature-sensitive, shock-sensitive, but also orientation-sensitive. Unlike e.g. electronics or empty glass, it is also not obvious to secure the inner volume with foam without causing damage to the ecosystem inside the pot.
Moss pots are also relatively easy to make yourself with local materials, as long as you follow a few basic rules. You can use recycled glass, wild-picked or purchased mosses and plants, and substrates available at any DIY or pet shop.