THE VERTEX II - Living Moss Wall (CryoMoss Edition)
General Care & Maintenance Guide
In contrasts to ZERO Moss, tendering to Live Moss (in this case, CryoMoss) is a form of art itself and requires continuous observation and love.
While all living things have lifespan, we have created the entire Vertex II - Living Moss Wall system based on our research with live moss since 2015 to allow it to thrive in different environments while minimizing general harm caused by human error.
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We prepared this guide for a thorough understanding about live moss and its growth progress.
The Vertex II Main Structure
Installing the Vertex II
Gently place the front facing of the moss wall "module" onto the base's truncated square structure, then cover it with the Vertex geometrical glass cover.
Spray bottle
The empty spray bottle comes with concentrated moss nutrients, crucial for activating CryoMoss from its dormant state upon arrival.
During the Vertex II installation, you can fill the bottle with FILTERED Water (non-chlorinated) and thoroughly spray the entire surface of the moss wall and its base before covering it with the glass.
Temperature: Structural
To match the nature of our work, we chose a plant-based biopolymer for the base water catchment and "module" structure.
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Thus, the Vertex II is strictly for indoor use. Avoid exposing the entire structure to extended heat above 40℃ (104℉) or direct sunlight, as that can deform the plant-based biopolymer structure.
Water Catchment Reservoir
If you over-water, gravity drains excessive water to the base. Gently remove the entire structure and discard the water.
The TerraLight 2.0
By default, it has a clear lamp cover for a more intense and focused light. You can switch it to the diffuser lens by simply unscrewing the lampshade.
Vertex II Geometrical Glass
The glass is a protective cover, isolating the moss from potentially harmful materials in the external environment and trapping humidity.
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As the inner microenvironment temperature is usually warmer than the external environment, condensation should be present 99% of the time.
CryoMoss Dormant State & Post-revival living state
CryoMoss (Dry State)
After a multi-stage gradual cooling and drying process, CryMoss is pest-free and significantly resistant to environmental stress during transit.
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While dormant, CryoMoss looks dry and pale but quickly resumes its lushness within minutes of contact with water.
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It takes one week to a month to flourish.
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Avoid drying it out entirely upon its first revival, which may cause permanent cell damage.
Water Type
After finishing the initial water, use filtered drinking water free from chlorine, other chemicals, or mineral water.
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If you want to explore deeper, slightly acidic is generally better for the moss.
Lighting
If you have the TerraLight 2.0, a general 8 hours of lighting is sufficient for the moss. We have also tried always leaving it on, but the moss will grow faster than usual.
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Without the TerraLight, it is recommended that you use a table lamp with a light brightness that is comfortable for you and maintain a good distance from the terrarium itself.
Bugs & Pests
While CryoMoss is shipped in a bug and pest-free state, and moss generally does not attract insects, foreign insects from your environment may fly in. Remove them promptly if needed.
Temperature: CryoMoss
CryoMoss thrives between 10℃ (50℉) and 25℃ (77℉). Freezing or overheating may damage moss cells permanently.
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Overheating may also promote fungal growth, as spores are present in every environment worldwide and can get into the terrarium at any time.
Environment
Keep indoor with good air circulation.
Subtle air circulation is essential to lower the overall room temperature and minimize the chance of mold growth.
Health State
Silverish-white: Similar to the state of arrival, it happens when the moss is dry as part of its defense mechanism to reflect light, thus reducing heat and preventing further drying out.
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Yellow: Part of natural moss growth, as they are not ever-green.
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Light brown: Moss is responding to new environmental changes, ranging from temperature to atmospheric pressure. It will adjust itself and turn green as time passes.
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Dark brown: Generally due to overheating in a high-humidity environment that can contribute to rotting. Remove the affected moss area if it has not recovered for over a week.
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White net-like mold growth: Dead moss cells that are no longer recovering, thus overtaken by mold present in the environment.
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Thin brownish threads-like structures: Moss growth structure, a form of rhizoid emerging from the tip of its leaf. No harm, as you may see new shoots popping up from there.
Foreign Objects
Avoid adding any wooden decoration or figurines. Dead wood materials may cause mould or mushroom growth, and unknown mini-toys or figurines may contain chemicals that can harm the CryoMoss.
Watering frequency
Moss is brittle and less vibrant when dry, soft and fluffy when moist, and more vibrant when wet.
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Keep it moist all the time. We generally recommend gentle weekly watering, just enough to cover every leaf on the surface.
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In a normal room environment, it can go up to one month without watering.
Access
Accessing the moss from the seamless-hinge glass door or removing the geometrical glass cover for about 15 minutes is minimal or negligible harm.
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Never leave it open for an extended period, as this will dry the moss out and cause it to trap contaminants from your environment.
Growth
Some moss may grow faster than others. If you find them messy, feel free to trim it off. Trimming off the moss will not affect its growth, and some may even promote the development of new shoots.
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Depending on the environment, moss may look different in shape after growing.