orchids need special potting media. So, there is no wonder you are confused whether the moss bags labeled as orchid moss is the same as sphagnum moss or not.
In this article, we gonna discuss this question beside whether if sphagnum moss good for orchids or not. and when and how to use it.
Returning to our main question, whether orchid moss is the same as sphagnum moss? Orchid moss is the highest grade of sphagnum moss. The properties of such sphagnum moss make it one of the suitable orchid potting mediums.
While the lower grade of sphagnum moss known as sphagnum peat moss. which is not optimal for orchids due to its characteristics.
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Sphagnum moss grows naturally in wetlands and bogs. It grows as a moss mat above the water surface. Producers harvest the sphagnum moss from such bogs.
This sphagnum moss can be used as orchid moss. After harvesting they dry it completely and sterilize it, then store it in bags for your use.
The fluffiness of sphagnum moss allows the air to flow around orchid roots. which is something important for the survival of the orchids.
Because orchids mainly absorb nutrients and moisture from the air through their roots. This is why they call it air plants or epiphytes.
Besides that, sphagnum moss has a remarkable ability to absorb and retain water. Therefore it keeps the orchid root zone humid which is also another orchid requirement.
Sphagnum Moss Vs Sphagnum Peat Moss
As I mentioned before orchid moss is the high-grade sphagnum moss also simply known as sphagnum moss. Harvested from surface bogs and wetlands while it is alive.
On the other hand, sphagnum peat moss is dead moss that dived in the bog ground. such sphagnum moss is combined with other plants and dead animals.
The characteristics of sphagnum peat moss make it not suitable for most epiphytes orchids as a potting medium.
Because it is fine and compact easily which is something not good for orchid roots. It blocks the air from flowing easily to reach orchid roots.
Although terrestrial orchids ( the ones that grow in the soil) can be planted in a mix that contains sphagnum peat moss.
Is Sphagnum Moss Good For Orchids
The typical answer to whether sphagnum moss is good for an orchid is it depends.
Sphagnum moss has unique properties that satisfy some of the orchid needs. Its ability to absorb and retain water is unbeatable.
Also, the sphagnum moss that used as orchid moss has a fluffy structure. Therefore it allows the air to reach the orchid aerial roots.
Pure sphagnum moss as a potting medium is best to be used for seedlings and young orchids. Because normally they demand more moisture as their roots are few and tiny.
And, they don’t reach the mature structure to store and retain water. Also, orchids that went through stress, and they are in the recovery period are better to be planted in sphagnum moss.
Sphagnum moss has good drainage properties. Which is something important to prevent orchid roots from rotting.
Sphagnum moss has a relative downside when it used as an orchid potting medium.
It gives space for the roots to absorb air, but not enough space to grow freely.
Therefore sphagnum moss can be good for your orchids if you understood the specific needs of your plant.
For mature orchids, it is better to mix sphagnum moss with other material like fir bark. To get the benefit of water retention from sphagnum moss.
And the space between the growing medium particles. Which it will encourage the orchid roots to further grow and absorb more air.
Also, the environment which you put your orchid in can determine the need for sphagnum moss.
For example, if you living in a cold and humid environment where there is little water evaporation throughout the day. In such a case, you may don’t need to use sphagnum moss for your orchid.
But if you live in a place where the climate is dry and hot you may need sphagnum moss to get its water retention benefits.
How To Use Sphagnum moss For Orchids
Sphagnum moss is widely known as one of the best potting material for orchids.
In order to get the best out of sphagnum moss for your orchid, understand and consider the following factors:
1. Understand Your Environment
If you live in an environment where the weather is cold and dry using sphagnum moss for your orchid is not ideal. Because sphagnum moss has high water retention properties.
Actually it absorbs and retains water like a sponge. In such a case, the water will remain in the medium for a long period of time. And may cause the orchid roots to rot.
But if your environment is extreme in both winter and summer. Meaning it gets very cold and humid in winter.
And very hot and dry in summer you can mix the sphagnum moss with fir bark or other materials to alter the sphagnum moss properties.
In such a case, you will get the benefit of water retention in summer. But also enough dryness during winter.
On the other hand. If you live in a location where the weather is hot and dry. Sphagnum moss can be extremely helpful as a potting medium for your orchid.
2. Understand Your Orchid Type And Its Specific Needs
Some orchids need to get a little dry like vanda and cattleya. Using sphagnum moss as a potting medium for such orchids is not ideal in most cases.
But remember there is no rule to fit all situations. You need to consider your environment. For example, if you live in a hot and dry place vanda orchid as an example is already getting dry.
In such a case you may mix sphagnum moss with other material to have the right balance.
On the other hand, some orchids like Miltonia, miltoniopsis love more moisture.
In such a case sphagnum moss is ideal. But you need to consider the other factors to settle in something that satisfies your specific needs.
3. Keep Sphagnum Moss Fluffy and Airy In The Pot
Sphagnum moss has a flexible structure. If you pressed it in the pot, it will be tight and compacted which is something bad for the orchid.
Such a thing will cause the roots to suffocate. Instead, keep the sphagnum moss fluffy in the pot to allow air pockets.
Although watering will make it little compressed through time. But not to the extent as if you tighten it your self.
After a few years, sphagnum moss will be compacted. This is normal. Be ready to repot it in new pot and medium.
4. Give Orchid Roots Enough Ventilation
while sphagnum moss has enough air pockets for orchid roots. But you need to make sure that the air reaches the sphagnum moss.
You do so by making holes in the sides and bottom of the pot. Using plastic baskets is ideal. because it came with side holes. or you can easily make it.
Also, a plastic basket allows you to see the medium if it dry or not. And water only when orchid needs it.
5. Sphagnum Moss Can Be Used For Terrestrial Orchids
There are two types of orchids, epiphytes, and terrestrial orchids. Epiphyte orchid absorbs nutrients and moisture from the air ( have air roots.) Most orchids are epiphytes.
The other type grows in the ground as most plants do. It absorbs moisture and nutrients from the soil.
If you have terrestrial orchids you can use sphagnum moss. But you don’t need to make holes in the sides of the pot for ventilation.
It doesn’t need that. just keep the sphagnum moss fluffy. In my book Container Gardening: A Step-by-Step Practical Guide I discussed orchid potting mix and other potting mixes in detail along with other aspects of container gardening. For a more holistic perspective and understanding Download your copy now through this link.