Sphagnum Moss. Any difference ?

[Gage]

There is a huge difference in the dark and the "blonde" moss. I buy a big bale of the better stuff and it lasts me a long time since I don't use sphag that much. The dark stuff is already rotting so it doesn't last. Go ahead and try what you have, but get some nicer stuff at some point so you can see what your options are and how it behaves.

[orchidsarefun]

I use a lot of sphag, so it would make a big difference to me.
Anyway I am using it in my habenaria lindleyana that has just come out of dormancy, mixed with bark. I am going to be p if it kills it....

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I use a lot of sphag, so it would make a big difference to me.
Anyway I am using it in my habenaria lindleyana that has just come out of dormancy, mixed with bark. I am going to be p if it kills it....

I'll post an update on the lindleyana thread separately, but I am happy to report that the Wisconsin moss - for this particular plant - was a success. Yes, the moss did contain other organic materials, but evidently that suited the habenaria just fine. As potting mix should preferably be replaced each year for habenarias, this "cheaper" stuff is perfect. I think I am also going to use it in my catasetum mix next year, on one or two as an experiment. Of course I still use the NZ moss and that has lasted on certain phals upwards of 2 years with no evident ill effects.
Being prudent is not the same as being cheap