Recycle sphagnum?
 

:hello Everyone!

I have buckets of sphagnum left over from phal rescues, and I am amazed at how much sphag is crammed into those tiny pots! Is it possible to sanitize and recycle sphagnum? If so,how is it sanitized, and, after sanitization, is it suitable for orchids/other plants, or only the compost bin? There are 4 gallons sunning out back,eagerly awaiting your responses.

Carol
:twocents::think2:

The pH of sphagnum decreases over time depending on the surrounding environment. I don't know of any way to regenerate it. Under warm conditions like we have in Florida, they say to change it once a year. I don't know what's recommended for cooler climates.

Chop it up and mix it in with your soil. It's a great amendment for terrestrial plants.

I do as Ray suggested. I use it in mixes of soil for plants that like a lower pH such as camellias, coffee, jasmines, citrus, etc. As it decays, like pine bark, it helps to maintain a lower pH while providing nutrients. I have also used it the garden to help loosen the soil.

Yup - I use it in other plants also :)

Thank You All!!!
One more question? I am transitioning phals from pots to mounts, and use moistened sphag to cover the roots until established. Is there a mens of "sanitizing" the tightly wrapped sphag that has been removed from newly purchased phals? If so, can I use it to cover the roots on mounts?

It is a bad idea to reuse the sphag from previous pots. Use it at your own peril. Since being packed so tight, likely the sphag would have started to decay. I wouldn't reuse on another orchid.

I heard it from a friend who heard it from a... ! you know what I mean....Anyway, your advice is greatly appreciated.

Carol