Sphagnum Moss?

[lauraeli]

The wind blew my orchid off the windowsill the other day, and I noticed how dry the roots were (shriveled and wrinkly). This is even with 2 waterings in the past week. So I decided to mix some sphagnum in with the bark.

I soaked the orchid (again) until the roots were plump and green, and then potted it up in a 50/50 bark and sphagnum mix. I tucked it loosely around the roots instead of packing it tightly.

Well, what I assumed is sphagnum may not be. It looks like it to me, but what do I know? It was packaged as 'green moss'. Schultz, to be specific.

I used a vented produce container, you know, like the ones you get berries in at the grocery store? And set that inside a glass loaf pan with some more moss.

Is this moss sphagnum? If not, will it work for the purpose?

(note: pictures are not working, says security file missing or something??)

[lauraeli]

Ok! Pictures working now :-) see the snail? I added it after I found a snail shell in the moss ^_^

[Leafmite]

The moss might not be NZ sphagnum moss but it looks like it should do alright. Orchids can honestly be grown in nearly anything, as long as it works in your environment and isn't toxic. I think, if you can see the roots, the best way to water would be to give it a good soak until the roots turn green each time you water. Good luck!

[james mickelso]

Are you drowning this plant? Take it out of the glass pan if it holds any water at all. What is the sand for? The moss looks Chilean to me. US moss is darker.

[lauraeli]

No, Im not drowning it. O_o I will take it out of there when it needs to be watered. And there is no sand anywhere...

[james mickelso]

Sorry. On my screen it looks like the roots are under water. Is that gravel then? In pic 4 it looks like coarse sand or small gravel on the bottom of the container the plant is in. Aeration?

[WaterWitchin]

Ummmm, I believe this particular orchid can grow in just about anything, as long as you give it what it needs. They don't really care that much about the medium, be it sphagnum or bark or bamboo or charcoal or LECA or a stick. What matters, if you care about it, is learning its culture.

And in a gentler way... Don't leave it swimming with water below it... with that much moss, regardless of what kind it is, it will leech up thru the moss and keep the roots too wet. Perhaps take the "berry tray" out, water well, then stick back into the glass container with pea/aquarium gravel after it's finished draining.

Edited to add... for what it's worth...

[Fairorchids]

With moss/bark mix you still need to pack it firmly into the pot/container. Orchids need to be firmly anchored.

[lauraeli]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Sorry. On my screen it looks like the roots are under water. Is that gravel then? In pic 4 it looks like coarse sand or small gravel on the bottom of the container the plant is in. Aeration?

Yes, there is a layer of gravel on the bottom. That's just to make sure that if any water does make it to the bottom, the orchids pot isn't sitting in it. And I left some space in the front and back of the pot for aeration purposes. See the slits in the pot? They run all the way around the bottom. It is a produce/berry container, like this one-

[lauraeli]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

And in a gentler way... Don't leave it swimming with water below it... with that much moss, regardless of what kind it is, it will leech up thru the moss and keep the roots too wet. Perhaps take the "berry tray" out, water well, then stick back into the glass container with pea/aquarium gravel after it's finished draining.

Edited to add... for what it's worth...

Yes, I plan on taking it out to water it :-) and I left a little window in the front, so I can see the condensation. Plus I have a little bamboo skewer in there, see? So I can use it as an indicator of moisture in the medium. Im learning stuff

AND I will doublecheck to make sure the bark and moss is packed firmly enough, and adds some more if need be.