Y’all, I love using natural elements in my decor and today I’m going to answer the question “How Long Does Preserved Moss Last?” and share how to make it last longer by refreshening it.
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What is Preserved Moss and is it real?
First, preserved moss is real. It’s harvested from forests where it grows naturally around trees and on the ground.
The moss is put through a preservation process to retain its softness and natural color.

Preserved vs. Dried Moss
If you prefer a natural looking green moss, you always want to choose preserved vs. dried moss.
Dried moss, as the name suggests, has been dehydrated and will quickly turn brown and will not last as long as preserved moss.
How do you use Preserved Moss?
One of the most common uses for preserved moss is around floral and greenery arrangements. I like to keep a supply of this on hand for my many projects.
It’s perfect for covering over the styrofoam or other elements that are holding the arrangement together. It looks great without requiring any special care.
You can see two different ways to use on these diy topiaries and these boxwood topiaries.
Indoors the natural green color of the moss will looking great for years.
You can also purchase sheet moss and that’s what I used on these Shamrock Placemats for St. Paddy’s Day!
I also have several moss balls that I use in my decor such as these that I used on my porch last year.
The large moss balls began to fade quickly when exposed to the sun, but never fear, I’m going to share how to freshen them.
How Long Does Preserved Moss Last?
When used indoors, away from direct sunlight, the answer is many years. It may need a careful dusting but it will look great for years.
I have had this moss piece for at least 20 years and it still looks great.
At the time I purchased this piece, I also purchased this topiary. However, it’s been exposed to sunlight on my screened porch.
If you like the brown moss, it’s still great to use but if you prefer the green color, there is a solution.
How to Freshen Preserved Moss
This is such an easy solution to prolong the life of your moss pieces and keep them fresh looking.
All you need is:
First, prepare a place to spray your moss or spray outdoors. The food coloring will stain if not removed immediately from surfaces.
Mix a small amount of water, approx. 1/2 cup with 4-5 drops of green food coloring and shake to mix.
If you have several projects, you can increase the quantities.
Spray the moss with the solution until the entire area is green again.
Once covered, be sure to catch any drips with paper towels.
The container is covered with preserved leaves and the food coloring method worked great for this as well.
Almost New Preserved Moss
The moss may not look as fresh as it did 20 years ago, however it looks so much better.
These moss balls were also refreshed with the green food coloring.
I love using preserved moss in my decor. This book club table centerpiece is filled with balls of moss that I’ve refreshed with this technique.
I wish I had a link to the moss stems, but they were purchased several years ago at Pier 1 Imports, and they no longer sell floral stems.
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Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you found this helpful.
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carol
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Rachel, another 'trick' I've used with large sheets of fading moss is to make solution of 'green food coloring/water' in a small tub and soak the sheet in solution; a bit drippy when lifting out but works for larger projects
Rachel
Monday 6th of February 2023
Carol, Thanks for sharing this tip. I appreciate your input.
Wendy McMonigle
Wednesday 1st of February 2023
Love this little trick.
Rachel
Thursday 2nd of February 2023
Wendy, It works great.
Susan
Wednesday 1st of February 2023
I’m wondering if you couldn’t use watered down acrylic paint as an alternative if you wanted a brighter green. What do you think? It never occurred to me I could freshen up moss. I just bought new and composted the old. Now I know, thanks!
Rachel
Thursday 2nd of February 2023
Susan, I'm not sure about the paint. It would be more brittle, I think. However, it's worth a try.
Renae
Wednesday 1st of February 2023
This is such a great idea. I wish that I had read this post last week as I was trying to refresh some topiaries. I would love to share this on my newsletter next week. Hugs to you.
Rachel
Thursday 2nd of February 2023
Renae, Thank you so much. I appreciate this.
Lorri
Wednesday 1st of February 2023
Great idea! Shakng my head... why didn't I think of that.🤭
Rachel
Thursday 2nd of February 2023
Lorri, Thanks for stopping by.