SPANISH MOSS

[Shawna]

Yes. We also have two different kinds. What was the color of the moss on your maxillaria? There is a green colored one but that wasn't the one I was inquiring about.

[AnonYMouse]

I have live spanish moss and I have seen dried for decorative top dressing but I have never seen it used as media.

[Shawna]

Anon,
It does not say live on the package so I am assuming it is the decorative kind. Is that the one that decomposes quickly?

[AnonYMouse]

I bet the green kind of dried moss is just dyed. I doubt either would be good as media.

[Ordphien]

It's sort of curly and a silver brown colour and very springy.
The fibers are medium in length.
It kind if sound like you're describing the decorative Spanish moss.
Which would rot quickly.
I have no idea what kind of moss this actually is but it's also labeled Spanish moss near me.

[RJSquirrel]

thats just as its described, decorative Spanish moss. I put it on top of the plants going to orchid shows but I dont grow anything in it. It gets nasty and smelly real fast when it stays wet. I usually cant wait to rip it off the plants and toss it in the can when the shows are done.

[Shawna]

Thanks everyone. I am not going to experiment with it.

[RJSquirrel]

dont ever be shy about experimenting with media until you find what works for you. dont make decisions solely on what everyone else is doing. youre grow area is yours and you can do anything you want. These here know Ive planted orchids in just about everything till I calmed down and stop looking for the magic media that I didnt have to water fertilize or replace

[Paphluvr]

Spanish moss (which is a type of bromeliad) is sold in bags in hobby stores and some garden centers, but it is intended to be used as a decoration around dry flower arrangements. I have seen it used as a top dressing on live plants, usually in big box stores, and generally to cover up the half-dead roots.