Sphagnum Moss. Any difference ?

[james mickelso]

NZ doesn't break down as quickly. Chilean has a lot of trash in it and more tannic acid. Wisconsin moss is great for gardens but I threw away half a bag because it was really trashy. Lots of short fibers and silt.

[RJSquirrel]

I like to use the zoo-med moss from the pet stores. Its a moderatey tolerable blend of long fibre and medium fibre new zealand shpagnum while not being 5A. Its really clean and if you treat it well it will start to grow fresh live sphagnum.



most other mosses to me is very dirty and it smells of ammonia to my big nose when the moss is wet...

I spend a lot of money on my plants. I want the best for them that I can afford. I dont be cheap with the moss.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

NZ doesn't break down as quickly. Chilean has a lot of trash in it and more tannic acid. Wisconsin moss is great for gardens but I threw away half a bag because it was really trashy. Lots of short fibers and silt.

Alas, this speaks my experience as well, But, the good, long fiber, AAA NZ Sphagnum I use is increasingly off the hook expensive....plus the family owned business in FL I once bought all my mix components from in big quantity, now only offers the Chilean....and their shipping has gone thru the roof...and the quality of their fir bark diminished too.

To me, getting the good stuff is still worth it; the plants don't like the Chilean as much and it breaks down much faster than the good stuff from NZ.

[orchidsarefun]

used the Wisconsin moss for my Habenaria Lindleyana, just posted an update on a separate thread. The consistency/quality has held up well....
There are horses for courses. The Wisconsin moss is very useful for orchids that are unpotted or require a dormancy and then fresh mix - much cheaper alternative too Chilean moss. Next year I will be using it in my catasetums ....and my Habenaria Medusa as I managed to regrow that one too.