Artificial Preserved Moss Mat

There is a small detail that separates a planter or a centerpiece that looks homemade from one that looks professionally styled, and it is usually moss. A layer of soft green hides the soil, covers the foam in a flower arrangement and fills the awkward gaps around the base of a plant. It is the finishing touch that makes everything around it look complete.

The Artificial Preserved Moss Mat gives you that finish in one handy square. It measures 11.8 inches square and 1.77 inches thick, comes in green or light green, and is made from artificial foliage rather than live moss, so there is nothing to water. It is meant to be cut and torn into pieces, giving you enough to finish several projects from a single mat.

What makes the moss mat so handy

The mat format is the first strength. Instead of loose moss that scatters, you start with a single piece you can cut exactly to the shape you need: a circle to top a pot, a strip to line the edge of a terrarium, or a patch to cover the foam in a centerpiece. Cutting it from the back with scissors keeps the front edge looking natural and torn rather than straight.

The thickness is the second. At 1.77 inches deep, it has real body, so it looks like a cushion of moss rather than a flat sheet, and it can be pressed down around the base of a plant to hug the stem.

The lack of care is the third. There is no watering, no misting and no light to worry about, so the moss stays the same in a dim hallway, a closed display case or an office with no windows.

Two shades add flexibility. Green gives a deep, forest floor look, while light green is brighter and fresher, which suits spring displays and pale ceramic pots.

Where it looks best

• Potted plants. Covering the soil for a neat, finished top.
• Terrariums. Lining the floor around stones and small plants.
• Centerpieces. Hiding foam and filling gaps around flowers.
• Artificial plants. Making a faux plant look properly potted.
• Shelves and trays. A soft green base for a small display.

It is especially useful for artificial plants, which often arrive with bare foam or plastic at the top of the pot. A few pieces of moss pressed around the stem make them look far more natural.

It is also a favorite for event styling. A few squares cut into strips can line a long table runner for a wedding or a garden party, fill the base of a lantern, or finish a flower arrangement in a wooden box. Because it is artificial, it can be prepared days ahead and packed away afterward for the next occasion, which is hard to do with live moss that dries out quickly.

Cutting and placing it

The mat is 11.8 inches square and 1.77 inches thick. Before cutting, plan roughly how many pieces you need and how big each should be, so one mat covers all your projects.

• Turn the mat over and cut from the back with scissors, so the torn edge on the front stays natural.
• Tear smaller pieces by hand for a softer, more irregular edge.
• Press each piece down around the base of the plant rather than laying it flat on top.
• Keep it out of standing water, so the backing does not go soggy.

When topping a pot with a live plant, leave a little space around the stem so you can still water the soil underneath. The measurements are listed in the Dimensions section above.

For a natural finish, vary the thickness slightly as you go, and tuck the edges down into the pot so no cut lines show against the rim.

Keep the offcuts. Even the smallest scraps are useful for tucking into the gap between a pot and its plant, or for covering a patch of bare foam in a centerpiece later. Store them in a dry box or bag so they stay clean and ready for the next project.

Pairing it with other pieces

Moss makes other pieces look better, which is what makes it so useful. Pair it with ceramic planters, glass terrariums and wooden trays. On a dining table, a strip of moss down the center of a tray makes a simple woodland runner. In a pot, it gives a faux plant the finished look of a living one.

Browse the botanicals collection for planters and artificial plants to finish with moss, or the decorative trays collection for a base to build a table display on. Keep the moss well clear of candle flames and other open flame.

Mixing green and light green pieces in the same display adds depth, just as real moss varies in color across a forest floor.

For a seasonal touch, add a few small pinecones or berries in winter, or tiny faux flowers in spring, so the same moss base can carry a new look through the year.

Is the moss mat right for your projects?

It is a strong fit if you:

• Want to finish pots, terrariums or centerpieces neatly.
• Like cutting moss to the exact shape you need.
• Prefer moss that needs no water or light.
• Style artificial plants and want them to look more natural.

It is not the right choice if you want a live moss that grows, or loose moss to scatter into small gaps. For tiny spaces, loose artificial moss sold by weight may be easier to work with.

Every order ships free across the US and most arrive in 6 to 9 business days. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery, and questions are answered at info@norafurnish.com.