In defense of Sphagnum moss for Cattleya
Just wanted to share a bit about using sphagnum for Cattleya and the results I’ve encountered. Maybe 3-4 years ago I began moving all my Cattleya to sphagnum moss. At first I was prepared for the worst seeing as my plants are all in South Florida, minutes away from the Redland festival grounds. The plants were gradually moved into tall clay pots with moss and a layer of packing peanuts.
This is the first year many of the seedlings are graduating from 4in pots up and I cannot understate my satisfaction with moss as a medium. The roots are insane on all of the plants I’ve reported this year. Bifoliates, unifoliates, species and hybrids. Not a single mushy root in sight, even from older back bulbs. Here is an example from this morning. The best part is with correct watering practice, the moss has retained its fluffiness and a quick pour through PH test shows no real souring of the media. Without disturbing the roots this will go into a larger pot, again with a layer of styrofoam peanuts and moss.
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