Spagmoss FAQs
We have collated some of the most frequently asked question about Spagmoss. Please select a question from the drop down below.
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Select from the list below:
Question
Answer
What is the difference between New Zealand, Chinese and Chile Sphagnum moss?
Is Sphagnum moss and peat moss the same?
Why do I sometimes find prickles in my moss?
What can Sphagnum moss be used for apart from growing orchids?
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NZ |
Chile |
Chinese |
|
Strands |
Large, robust leaf and long stem |
Dense leaf but short strands |
Fragile leaf and short strands |
|
Structure |
Strong structure |
Reasonably strong structure |
Weak structure |
|
Chemical Properties |
Natural pH, 4.8 with an EC of 0.1mS/cm. |
Natural pH, 4.8 but inconsistent EC of between 0.1 - 0.5mS/cm. |
High pH and high EC |
|
Salt accumulation |
Will hold onto nutrients for the plant but not accumulate harsh salts |
Potential to accumulate salts when nutrients applied |
Can easily accumulate salts when nutrients are applied |
|
AFP |
Strong structure means it wont become over compacted in the pot |
Dense leaf hugging stem means it may have lower AFP when compacted in the pot |
Provides little air to the plant when compacted tightly in the pot |
|
Contamination |
Minimal amounts of contamination dependant on grade |
Minimal amounts of contamination dependant on grade. |
Can contain contaminants which break down quickly in the pot consuming nitrogen. Can effect plant growth and cause pathogenic problems |
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Sterility |
Sterile substrate, protecting plants from pathogens |
Generally a sterile substrate but can harbour Sporotrichosis (fungal pathogen to humans) |
Unsterile substrate; sterilisation is recommended before use due to a high level of contamination |
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Longevity in pot |
Robust nature allows it to last a long time in the pot (4-5 years) |
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Due to contamination and the fragility of the moss it can break down very quickly (9-12 months) |
Sphagnum moss is sometimes referred to as peat moss however do not confuse the two, they are completely different. Sphagnum moss is the live moss growing on the top of the swamp and peat moss is the decaying matter below the swamp surface.
It takes thousands of years for peat moss to form. Harvesting peat moss involves digging up swamp land, destroying the potential for future regeneration. It is not environmentally friendly to harvest the peat, nor is it sustainable.
Sphagnum moss is carefully harvested by hand to ensure swamps are able to regenerate. The regeneration cycle takes 5-6 years, depending on the desired grade of moss and swamp conditions. Sphagnum moss is a renewable, sustainable product.
As Sphagnum moss is a natural resource there are aspects of the moss and its surroundings which can cause contamination. Gorse is a prominent species growing in many of the swamps. The majority of gorse contamination is removed during production however some pieces still remain. Gorse is typically only found in our lower moss grades.
Sphagnum moss is often used by gardeners to line hanging baskets, make floral wreaths and fill topiary frames. Spagmoss can be used for growing carnivorous plants and bonsai and has also been used for reptile bedding. You can lay Spagmoss around the tops of houseplants to help retain moisture allowing more time between watering.