Synthic Synthetic Sphagnum Moss, thoughts & use

[AkuRan]

All my orchids are in straight leca(no s/h) or leca with a top layer of seramis (for fine roots) and I was thinking of using the long Synthic Sphagnum Moss to help wick from bottom to top of my clay pots.
Based on one strip per pot my questions are:

A. Would this help even out pot moisture

B. Will "moss" hold on to fertilizer potentially burning roots

C. If humidity is above 60% will it hold moisture to long leading to rot

I water every other day and fill up base tray when I am gone for more than 3 days .
Have you used synthetic moss and what do you think ?
Thanks

[FairyInTheFlowers]

I've never heard of synthetic sphagnum moss. Do you have a link to what you're talking about?

[stonedragonfarms]

What's your reasoning for using synthetic moss? If you're worried about it breaking down, it seems like a mix of hydrophobic & hydrophilic rock wool would be a better (and cheaper) alternative.


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[Ray]

Synthic is the latest brainchild of Mikael Karlbom (dusk.se), who originated Epiweb and Hygrolon. As their primary business is in home furnishing, he has a great "in" with the textile world.

AkuRan - water does not cause rot. Healthy tissue does not rot, dead tissues do. If you want moisture to wick upward, why not just add a reservoir and go with S/H?

[AkuRan]

[Ray]

Having observed some orchids in situ in several parts of Brazil, and in a few places in Southeast Asia and the southern interior of China, I don't recall seeing many that truly had a dry period between waterings during their growing seasons. Even rock dwellers tend to have their roots in the moist, detritus-filled cracks.

I have grown any number of genera in semi-hydroponics that remained wet for over 20 years without issue.

[sam1147]

Hi all.
I already use this synthetic moss for more then 6 months , so not yet a sufficient period to recommend it.
However , I use it basically on mounts instead of the N.Z. moss in order to save the yearly replacement of the decayed moss .
The synthetic one retains less water then the spagnum ( I love this as an over waterer) but my efforts to replace it also with the spagnum moss inside the pots is not yet 100% successful.

[AkuRan]

Thanks Sam
Good info and input. Look forward to any updates .

[bil]

Well, one thing I will say. People tend to forget that where ever there is water, there will be bacteria growing, and that will form biomass that will choke any medium and eventually rot.

Personally I think that any medium needs replacing eventually.

[sam1147]

Right Bil ! Question is how fast here and there ? .

Again : I do NOT recommnd ANYTHING.