Bio degradable Vs non bio degrable

[Ravi]

Between Sphagnum moss and Perlite which is better?

[Subrosa]

Better for what? Each medium has its own characteristics that have to be considered, along with the needs of the particular plant. Sphagnum makes growing many bog orchids practically foolproof, but is the kiss of death to Cattleya under my conditions. Although I've never tried, I suspect perlite would work for Cattleya under the same conditions, because it dries much faster.

[TomThumb]

I use sphagnum to keep things moist fairly evenly. I have fairly dry conditions in the winter indoors due to the heating system.

I use perlite for aeration. The orchid mixes i buy usually contain perlite mixed with bark for orchids that need a faster dry time. (i tend to add some sphagnum to these mixes because of mu drier conditions). I also mix perlite into my African violet medium because they don't like to stay soggy.

[Paul]

Unlike Subrosa, I have on occasion grown catts in pure sphag without any problem (but usually I use a coconut husk chunk or bark based mix). It does have an impact on the way one waters, no two ways about it. I do have large grade perlite in some of my orchid mixes but I'm not a huge fan of it.

Question is ... how are you planning on using it and for what?

Are you thinking of using just sphagnum or just perlite and nothing else? If the answer is "yes", do keep in mind that perlite tends to get blown away or, if soaking a pot, floats away very easily.

If being used as an ingredient in a mix, then either or both may be fine to use. What you are intending to grow and what your conditions are like will be determining factors.