Faux Moss plant balls, rocks, sheets, and grass are replications of the natural Moss found on forest floors, on rocks near streams, on tree trunks, and many other surfaces in shady and moist environs. Mosses are typically thought of as complementary faux plants and can be used as savvy design touches for projects featuring artificial plants and trees.
Faux Moss Plant Description:
The Moss plant is classified in the Bryophyta family genus, and there are over 12,000 unique species. Mosses are small, green, soft plants that usually grow 1 to 10 centimeters long, though some species can grow much more significant. They usually grow close together in bundles or mats in moist and shady locations. They do not have seeds or flowers, and their leaves are tiny and simple, covering their thin, wiry stems. At certain times Mosses produce spore-like capsules that look like bird beaks. For faux Moss plant producers, the trick is to replicate the fine detail of Moss without sacrificing authenticity.
Moss has the most simple structure of all land plants with no roots and tiny cellular threads that serve as anchors. Up close, their structures look like a stem, root or a leaf, though in reality Moss “leaves” are only thin sheets of cells. Moss lacks a vascular system and many other genetic similarities to other plants -- most plants have two sets of chromosomes, while Moss plants only have one set. There are periods in the life cycle of a Moss plant when they have a double set of paired chromosomes, but this happens only during the spore-producing phase of the life cycle. Faux Moss plants, fortunately, are normally made from fine silk materials and don’t need to represent these genetic idiosyncrasies -- they just need to look like real Moss.
Faux Moss Ball Background:
Moss ball plants grow best in shady areas where there is plenty of moisture, like in forest beds, streams, or between stones. There are also aquatic Moss balls that are found in bogs, marshes, and waterways. Moss can grow in many climates and can tolerate extreme temperatures and moisture levels. In severe cold, Moss ball plants, unlike grass, remain richly dark green. Excessive heat or lack of rainfall has no permanent effect on Moss ball formations either. During these times, Moss plants simply go dormant and lose some of their green colors until a rain shower quickly restores it. Faux Moss ball replicas can be made to look just like the real Moss found in these various environments. Both decorative Bumpy Moss balls and faux Mood Moss can be painted to accentuate the natural characteristics of living Moss in any climate. Also, faux Moss balls are also used to create artificial topiary plants and trees including two ball and three-ball Moss ball topiaries.
Faux Moss Grass Styles:
Live and faux Moss grass species are used by florists and home decorators across the world. Decaying Moss (a major component of peat) is “mined” for use as a fuel, a soil additive, a malt, or in the production of Scotch Whiskey. Moss grass was used as first aid dressing on soldiers wounds, and in Finland, Peat Mosses have been used to produce bread during famines. Moss grass can also be used as a Christmas decoration, or as a pet plant (see: Chia Pet). In all, faux Moss grass can create an attractive covering over surfaces that would otherwise be bare. Further, because faux Moss grass can be made in 12” x 12” synthetic mats, it speeds up the installation process because the Moss grass mats can be sectioned together.
Faux Moss Sheets Usage:
Faux Moss sheets are typically designed to replicate the mossy carpet of natural forests authentically. When made by experienced silk plant producers, faux Moss sheets appear incredibly realistic and are often used as ground cover in landscaping planter beds or under artificial plants in environments that aren’t conducive to live plants. Faux Moss sheets are manufactured in sizes ranging from 12” x 12” square sheets to decorative Moss rolls in 2’ x 4’ lengths. Faux Moss sheets can be easily cut and formed to fit around potted plants or trees to create a forest floor. Moss sheets can also be attached to walls or ceilings to create living artificial green walls. Green Moss walls made from faux Moss sheets do not require watering, pruning, and maintenance like living green walls.
Faux Moss Types:
The most popular manufactured faux Moss varieties include Spanish Moss, Forest, Reindeer, Lichen, Mood Moss, Bumpy Moss, Sphagnum Moss, and more. Moss shapes include faux Moss rocks, balls, sheets, plants, topiary, grass and more.