Have you guys ever put Reindeer lichen as a top dressing on your orchids?

[Spotted Milti]

I found a bag of it at Home Depot. It says you can use it as a top dressing, and it's actually kind of pretty. I know most people use them for fairy gardens and whatnot, but I've placed some on top of the potting mix for my paphiopedilum and was thinking about using it around my bulbos as well. Do you think this has any adverse affects? I'm hoping they didn't dye it green. Since I water from below it doesn't really hold any moisture. I could just as easily use sphagnum moss instead, but I was worried it would wick a bunch of unnecessary water near the stem.

[estación seca]

I don't top dress orchids. Did you try soaking some in a little water to see whether dye elutes?

[Spotted Milti]

Yep! It just kinda floats there but doesn't seep any dye.

[WaterWitchin]

If it's green, it's dyed. Having said that, I sometimes use it for esthetic reasons when something's in bloom. Doesn't mean I should... but never had a problem. Not sure it would do that much good as a top dressing other than looks.