Live sphagnum on top of LECA

[vegetalmatter]

Curious if anyone has experimented with growing live sphagnum moss as a top layer in a semi-hydro setup?

I know there is typically concern with using "dead" sphagnum as it can compact/clog up air pockets/decay in semi-hydro, but I imagine these problems would be mitigated at least slightly if the moss were alive..

I am mostly interested in trying it out for my bulbos. I find that their shallow roots like to die before they have a chance to reach the sweet moist leca just a few cm down. I do try to mist the surface often to encourage them but some roots just don't want to try

So, has anyone tried it or have any tips for growing live sphagnum? I'm thinking I would use a thick layer, maybe 3/4 of the pot with leca and 1/4 or more with moss

[estación seca]

Live sphagnum needs full sun or equivalent, and dies with levels of salt acheived when we fertilize.

Bill Thoms writes that he grows his Bulbos in shallow baskets with a mound of foam packing peanuts in the middle, and a blanket of long-fiber sphagnum over that. He gives a soaking watering at least once a day.

[DirtyCoconuts]

So. To take this from LECA straight to bulbophyllum culture. How often are yOu able to water?

I have a great setup but I live in a swamp and it rains more consistently throughout the year here, also, I like to water.

It is more realistic to match your growing method to your environment and your tendencies. You will be happier and have happier plants.

If this is indoors try shallow trays of leca

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by vegetalmatter

Curious if anyone has experimented with growing live sphagnum moss as a top layer in a semi-hydro setup?

I know there is typically concern with using "dead" sphagnum as it can compact/clog up air pockets/decay in semi-hydro, but I imagine these problems would be mitigated at least slightly if the moss were alive..

I am mostly interested in trying it out for my bulbos. I find that their shallow roots like to die before they have a chance to reach the sweet moist leca just a few cm down. I do try to mist the surface often to encourage them but some roots just don't want to try

So, has anyone tried it or have any tips for growing live sphagnum? I'm thinking I would use a thick layer, maybe 3/4 of the pot with leca and 1/4 or more with moss

I've used live Reindeer (Lichen) moss in SH before, and just as a nice cover on plants. It worked very well. Even the dried works. So much different that sphag.

[Ray]

The first thing that comes to mind is that you should probably increase the humidity in your growing area, as it will be 1) better for the plants and will 2) decrease the evaporation from the pots, allowing the moisture to reach higher.

That said, while I have never grown sphagnum on top of the medium for a plant in s/h, I have grown plants in sphagnum that germinated and grew. The moss did fine when the fertilizer was applied at about 10 ppm N in RO water, as did the paphs.

[estación seca]

10 ppm in RO, yes. But not many orchid growers use such low concentrations. It's like stuffing treats into a pet, spouse or grandkid.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by estación seca

10 ppm in RO, yes. But not many orchid growers use such low concentrations. It's like stuffing treats into a pet, spouse or grandkid.

Oh you just had to go there with the spousal treats!

[vegetalmatter]

Took the plunge.. Figured that the worst thing that could happen is the sphag dying
Fertilizing normally at 25 ppm twice a week with plain RO in between



Check back in a few weeks for crispy moss

[DirtyCoconuts]

i think it will be okay....at least a slow death lol

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Live sphagnum needs full sun or equivalent, and dies with levels of salt achieved when we fertilize.

The dying due to fertiliser salts doesn't sound promising.

Algae control will probably need to be considered too - that's if algae does grow in those conditions.