Sphagnum Moss

[Hummer344]

After years of using bark mixes I have decided to try some Sphagum moss on a plant to be repotted. Any tricks to using this potting medium you would like to share. I know you can rot you roots if it stays to wet & it can dry to the point of not absorbing water unless you soak it for a time in a bucket. The plant to be repotted is an Onc. Let me know. thanks David

[fishmom]

Hi Hummer, long time no see! I remember you from OrchidGeeks, which is pretty quiet lately.


I'm not a fan of Sphagnum, so I can't really help you, but I wanted to say hello

[Leafmite]

I use basket pots or shallow pots with the moss to keep the roots close to air (prevents rot).

I use good quality long-fiber NZ moss--AAA or AAAA (mostly AAA).

The pot should not be much larger than the root ball. I leave a little room for new roots but I try not to drown the orchid.

Example of basket pot, called here, 'Plastic baskets', at Roberts FLower Supply:

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[bkey]

I have used good quality sphagnum moss for years. Always amended with charcoal, perlite, tree fern fiber to keep it from compacting. Generally use clay pots which allow the medium to breathe, but sometimes plastic pot if a particular orchid such as miltoniopsis benefits from extra moisture. I also put styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pot and sometimes in the middle to avoid using too much of the sphag mix.

[Hummer344]

Hi there, Recognized you right away. Hope you have been well. Just to much to do than participate in these boards but its nice to have them around when questions arise.

[Leafmite]

I thought I should actually check the Phal roots in the middle that I could not see before continuing to recommend moss and so I removed all the moss from my three Phals (it was almost time, anyway). All roots look healthy. Whew. Right now, I have the roots bare to heal before potting them up again but I see no problem with using moss as long as you use it in a way that allows air exchange around the roots. Good luck!