GrowPharm - Chilean Sphagnum Moss
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Sphagnum moss is a tiny, star-shaped plant that grows on the surface of the soil in bogs and swamps. It is found in New Zealand, Chile, Greenland, Canada and other regions and is carefully and sustainably harvested to ensure regeneration, a cycle that typically takes 5-6 years. It is also known as peat moss, although this term can also refer to a different product. Our moss is a high quality, lightweight, naturally sterile sphagnum moss from Chile.
This type of moss is great for various orchids, including Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, and Oncidiums. It's used to help these plants grow faster and reduce the shock when they're repotted. The moss can hold a lot of water – up to 20 times its weight – which makes it useful for improving soil quality.
Before using the moss, you need to soak it in water to rehydrate it fully. Then, when you're potting plants, make sure not to pack the moss too tightly into the pot, as that reduces its water-holding capacity. Keeping the moss from drying out completely is important.
Potting Instructions for Orchids in Sphagnum Moss and Clear Pots
Materials Needed:
- Clear pots
- GrowPharm Chilean Sphagnum Moss
- Orchid plant
- Hydroton (expanded clay aggregate) (optional)
- Mega Mass - Orchid Master fertilizer or any other orchid-specific fertilizer.
- Watering can or spray bottle
Step 1: Preparing the Clear Pot
- Choose a clear pot that's only one size up from the previous one. Orchids prefer snug spaces, akin to their natural habitats. Clear pots offer insight into root health and moisture levels and allow the roots to perform photosynthesis.
- Optionally, introduce a layer of hydroton at the pot's base to enhance drainage.
Step 2: Preparing the Sphagnum Moss
- Thoroughly hydrate the GrowPharm Chilean Sphagnum Moss by soaking it. Gently squeeze out excess water, leaving it damp but not dripping.
Step 4: Watering and Fertilizing
- Water the orchid by gently saturating the moss until it's uniformly moist.
- Allow excess water to drain, using the clear pot to monitor drainage.
- Apply Mega Mass - Orchid Master fertilizer as directed, offering essential nutrients.
Step 5: Placement and Care
- Position the potted orchid in a location that matches its light and temperature preferences.
- Regularly check the moss's moisture, watering when the top layer feels dry to the touch.
- Leverage the clear pot to observe root health and overall plant condition.
Other Usages:
- Sphagnum moss is a vital and eye-catching part of any naturalistic vivarium or container garden.
- An excellent growing medium for trees with weak roots, ie: bonsai trees.
- Used as a soil conditioner which increases the soil's capacity to hold water and nutrients.
- Use small bags of crumbled moss as a soil-free seed starter.
- Can provide a living zone for beneficial terrarium/vivarium organisms in a properly maintained environment.
- Non-toxic to reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Can be used for hobby models like miniature train displays, fantasy tabletop roleplaying games including Warhammer and Pathfinder, or for student projects and professional displays such as dioramas.
- Commonly used in display cases and other wooden setups for a more natural look.
- Can be used to pack bulbs such as tulips and onions.
- Looks great when used in festive wreaths and other arts and crafts!
- Makes a great gift!
Cool Bog Facts:
- Artifacts buried beneath sphagnum bogs - including mummies - may be kept in astonishingly good condition for thousands and thousands of years. If you accidentally dropped your dinner into a bog, future civilizations might find it and study it!
- Raccoons (aka "trash pandas") are one of the largest mammals able to make their homes in bogs, although moose, beaver, and river otters often visit bogs to feed or find shelter.
- Despite the harsh conditions, peat bogs are often considered biodiversity hotspots. They provide habitat for various insects, birds, amphibians, and other creatures adapted to these environments. Some migratory birds also rely on peat bogs as stopover points during their journeys.
Want to learn more about orchids?
The Foothills Orchid Society is a great place to start if you're looking for a social group.
"THE FOOTHILLS ORCHID SOCIETY, FOUNDED IN 1987, IS COMPRISED OF A GROUP OF PASSIONATE ORCHID ENTHUSIASTS IN THE CALGARY, ALBERTA AREA. SOCIETY MEMBERS VARY IN BACKGROUND AND INTERESTS BUT ALL MEMBERS SHARE A LOVE FOR ORCHIDS AND THEIR CULTURE. IF YOU'RE IN THE CALGARY AREA AND HAVE AN INTEREST IN ORCHIDS, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN OUR SOCIETY."
http://www.foothillsorchidsociety.com/
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