The ambiguous opinion about the use of sphagnum mosses with many beginners is confusing - what it is for and if needed, how to use it and where to put it.
The fact is that some flower growers associate its use with diseases gentle and demanding to the conditions and an exotic tropical pet.
To determine this, it is necessary to understand the biological benefits and harms of this component. After all, its incorrect use can lead to sad consequences for the flower.
This perennial herbaceous plant, which has a number of names: white, peat and sphagnum. The peculiarity is that he does not have a root system, but only a branching, low thin stem. If the upper part of the plant is not limited in growth, then the lower part tends to die off over time, turning into peat.
At the same time, the upper part does not rot, as it contains sphagnol, which has bactericidal and wound healing properties.
Photo of sphagnum moss.
- for intensive moisture absorption;
- the ability to evenly moisten the soil;
- long-term moisture retention;
- antibacterial properties.
Varieties
More than 380 varieties of sphagnum have been recorded in the database "The Plant List":
- close;
- narrow-leaved;
- Baltic;
- hairy;
- compact;
- brown;
- fringed;
- floodplain, etc.
More than 40 species grow in Russia.
A huge number of varieties does not mean that any of the species can be used in agricultural technology when growing orchids.
It is white peat that is mainly used by orchid flower growers. In terms of its characteristics and properties, it is very similar to sand. It transforms the soil into a lighter structure, loose and hygroscopic. Improves the quality of any soil.
Among lovers of exotic floriculture, he has earned the attention of the ability to intensively absorb moisture and evenly distribute it over the surface. The ability to retain moisture for a long time brings the growing conditions closer to more natural ones.
The use of mosses by flower growers is based on good hygroscopicity and especially on prevention. It is these useful properties that are the main factors of application, not counting its decorative effect.
Sphagnum is widely used in orchid growing.
More orchid growers use New Zealand moss, which has a larger and looser fiber structure which provides greater breathability. The disadvantage of this material is its rarity in shopping malls and flower shops.
Beneficial features
Soil looseness
Similar in characteristics to sand, cut moss gives the soil mixture lightness and friability. This is especially important when rooting plants and germinating children, shoots, and so on.
Important! You should be aware that adding material to the soil increases its acidity. Therefore, its volume should not exceed 10% of the soil volume.
Retention and absorption of excess moisture
When examining sphagnum under a microscope, one can notice that the stem and core consist of parenchymal cells and lignified cells.
At the same time, the outer shell of the stem is made up of layers of dead cells, which form many through pores. It is they have the ability to easily absorb moisture and give excellent hygroscopicity.
The ovate leaves do not have a midrib. Half of the cells is occupied by chlorophyll, and half by spiral thickenings with water-bearing pores. Due to them can absorb moisture in excess of its own weight by more than 20 times.
Absorption of harmful salts
In containers with orchids, the topsoil, evaporating, deposits harmful calcium and magnesium salts, which further leads to salinization of a large part of the substrate. Salinity begins to inhibit the plant and affects its development.
Using moss as a mulch helps avoid a quick process.
The use of sphagnum as a mulch prevents soil salinization.
Bactericidal properties
Since the 11th century, sphagnum moss has been used as a dressing material. During all the wars, it was used for dressings without any wound treatment. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the bactericidal properties are provided by the polyhydric alcohol sphagnol, which is part of the composition. Exactly phenol-like substance provides protection to the plant from fungal diseases.
Features of the plant and its life cycle
This perennial spore plant that does not have a root system. In the process of development and growth, they form straight shoots that do not have branching, which are collected in a dense turf resembling "pillows".
Instead of a stem, phyllidia and caulidia are formed. The gaps that form between the elements have the ability to absorb moisture, which ensures the life cycle.
In addition to phyllidia, which consist of only one cell layer, there is a third element. These are rhizoids, which formally are the root part. The thinnest threads of rhizoids branch very strongly and absorb moisture from the soil layer. One of their features is that over time, the absorption process stops and the rhizoids perform only the function of a support.
The life cycle is based on the alternation of the sexual generation with the asexual. Gametophyte - a sexual generation that has male and female gametes that give rise to asexual sporophytes. The gametophyte is a photosynthetic green plant.
The sporophyte is a spore generation that feeds on the gametophyte. Each sporophyte cell has a double set of chromosomes, while gametes have only one. The development of the sporophyte occurs due to cell division in the process of meiosis. The result of the process is a spore, but having a sex, becoming a single gametophyte. This is how it goes constant, endless, life cycle.
Life cycle of sphagnum.
How to use?
In the soil
Moss at times increases the moisture capacity of the substrate. 1 part of the dried component is able to absorb more than 20 parts of water, which is 4 times higher than even the absorption properties of hygroscopic cotton wool. Drying, the cells brighten due to filling with air. Hence the name "white moss".
Many flower growers, especially in dry rooms, add it to or soil. But when added to the soil, it should be cut into a large fraction and used no more than 10% of the total soil volume.
Before use, it is soaked in warm water to remove unwanted insects. Then squeeze and cut. It is better to dry the moss before use.
It is carried out with a small amount of water, with further complete drying of the material. Do not delay watering after drying to avoid pupation of the roots.
With knowledge and experience, children can be grown in pure sphagnum.
Attention! It can be combined with bark, strictly following the rate and sequence of watering.
Terms of use
Some flower growers are unhappy with the result of using sphagnum, referring to a stop in the development of orchids or rotting of the root system.
This happens due to incorrectness and ignorance of the biological structure:
- watering should be carried out with a small amount of water;
- withstand the next watering until completely dry;
- do not allow completely dried moss to remain without watering for a long time;
- provide sufficient lighting;
- avoid connection with the root neck;
- do not compact the layer.
Do-it-yourself mining and harvesting
Sphagnum moss can be found in swampy areas where it forms pillow-like peat clumps. In the northern hemisphere, it is mainly found in the tundra, and in the southern hemisphere - on the slopes of the mountains. and very rarely on flat terrain in the forests of the middle zone.
You can not use freshly prepared material. Only its upper part is cut off so that new shoots can form from the lower part remaining in the soil.
Treatment
Before using it should be treated with boiling water or put in warm water for a while to destroy all kinds of pests: ants, slugs, insects, etc.
Dried should also be treated with boiling water, and then on 4-5 days put in a polybag until the pests are completely eradicated.
Before use, dry moss is scalded and left in an airtight bag.
Drying
Is it possible:
Use live moss?
Some experienced growers do not recommend using fresh, live moss as a component of the substrate, as they believe that it has an acidic environment and does not contain nutrients. But this is not entirely true. Depending on the place of growth, it can have both a neutral and slightly alkaline environment.. Moreover, it may contain a large number of phosphorus.
In addition to phosphorus, living material may contain large amounts of bicarbonate, sodium and chlorine. Therefore, before use, it should be soaked for 30-40 minutes. But in this case, not only unnecessary substances are lost, but also phosphorus.
Before use, sphagnum should be soaked.
Live sphagnum serves more for aesthetic perception, while processed and dried sphagnum absorbs moisture better and distributes it evenly over the entire surface of the container.
Use moss that grows in the forest?
Moss growing in the forest is cuckoo flax. You can use it, but it is stiffer and does not absorb moisture as well. Not so long can retain water in itself, like sphagnum. Basically, some flower growers add it to sphagnum moss. Moss for orchids from the forest does not have such a significant effect on the shift of salts in the substrate.
Transplant an orchid into moss?
In this case, you will have to strictly monitor the order and timeliness of additional nutrition. The moss does not contain the nutrients necessary for the full development of the orchid and the plant pumps moisture out of it very quickly. The main use of one moss, as soil, used mainly for orchids and germination and shoots.
What to replace?
This depends on the purpose for which it is used:
- If to increase humidity, then it can be replaced by placing a tray or container of water next to the plant.
- If you increase the moisture capacity of the soil, then use high-moor peat, or palm fiber. But at the same time, the properties of the antiseptic are lost.
For 10 years of working with violets, we tried to root them in different ways - in the ground, in a soil mixture, in a landless substrate, in water ... But we got the best results when rooting leaf cuttings of violets in pure living sphagnum on wick irrigation. Now we use only this kind of rooting.
So what is this mysterious sphagnum moss?
Sphagnum (Sphagnum, sphagnum, peat moss, white moss)- This is a perennial bog moss that forms the so-called sphagnum bogs. More than 40 of its species are known in Russia, more than 300 in the world. It is found mainly in the tundra and forest zones of the Northern Hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere grows high in the mountains; rarer in temperate plains. Its peculiarity is that it actually has no roots - its lower part gradually dies off and turns into peat, while the upper part continues to grow. Sphagnum moss is otherwise called “white moss”, and the places where it grows are “white moss”. In Wikipedia, it is described as follows: “Sphagnum (lat. Sphagnum) is a marsh plant, a genus of moss (usually whitish in color)”. That is, you should not worry when you receive in the mail not green, but yellowish-white moss. The main thing is that it be alive (and the color does not matter). When watered and in warmth, it will begin to grow and turn green (for example, when rooting leaf cuttings in it).
Sphagnum properties
Perhaps it is worth highlighting 3 main sphagnum properties:
- amazing hygroscopicity
- excellent breathability
- antibacterial properties
Hygroscopicity- this is the property of sphagnum moss to absorb water in huge quantities: up to 20 weight parts of water per one weight part of sphagnum! And this is 6 times higher than the ability of cotton wool! Moreover, sphagnum evenly saturated with water, and only after that gives off excess moisture. That is, when it is used as part of soil mixtures, it will always maintain a sufficient level of moisture in the substrate without waterlogging the soil! This property is achieved by the structure of the moss itself - its stem and leaves contain hollow air-bearing reservoir cells, thanks to which the sphagnum absorbs water with its entire surface and retains it for a long time!
Breathability due to the same hollow cells. That is, the soil with the addition of sphagnum turns out to be quite moist, but at the same time light and loose, which contributes to the well-being of the root system of plants!
Antibacterial, disinfectant and antifungal properties are provided with substances that make up sphagnum: bactericidal phenol-like substance sphagnum, antibiotics (sphagnic acids), coumarins, triterpene compounds, etc. All these antiseptic properties are used even in medicine, and what can we say about plants! The percentage of rotting cuttings when propagated in sphagnum lowest compared to all other methods!
And according to reports, sphagnum itself not subject to any disease!
In addition to these properties of sphagnum, one should also note its ability moderately acidify the soil by the release of hydrogen ions. This again prevents the development of bacteria, and violets in acidified soil often give a more saturated color and pronounced border, and in general they feel better on sour soil! :)
And due to the fact that sphagnum retains water in the substrate and prevents the access of oxygen to organic deposits in it, decomposition processes organic compounds(rotting) do not occur. This is also ensured by the fact that sphagnum itself contains extremely few nutrients, which slows down the decomposition even more!
By the way, all parts of sphagnum(from roots to crown) have these properties.
The use of sphagnum
Sphagnum is used in very many areas of life (laying log cabins, transportation of root crops, floristry, medicine, detergents and disinfectants, etc.). But of course, it finds its main application in floriculture!
Sphagnum is suitable for many plants, such as:
- Saintpaulias (Uzambara violets)
- gloxinia
- streptocarpus
- begonias, royal begonias
- orchids
- dracaena
- dieffenbachia
- monsters
- peperomia
- stonecrops
- echveria
- fat women
- sansevieria
- cordilins
- khirites
- and many others - those who love high humidity.
I’ll tell you how to use moss for violets in a separate article “Using sphagnum moss in caring for violets.”
Harvesting sphagnum
Usually sphagnum moss is harvested from late April to October. However, spring harvesting can be complicated by high levels of melt water. And in mid-June-early July, blood-sucking insects are most active, making it very difficult to collect moss in the swamp. We try to harvest moss in August, when the weather is dry and relatively warm. A rainy autumn can disrupt the workpiece due to the impossibility of weathering in humid air, and collecting moss in the rain is not the most pleasant experience.
You can collect sphagnum two ways:
- completely extracting it along with the roots (this way it turns out to be larger in volume, but it requires a long thorough cleaning);
- cutting off the upper surface part with a knife - it turns out smaller, longer, but better;
For collecting sphagnum You will need:
- A swamp or wet forest with a lot of sphagnum, and preferably not far from the parking lot (wet moss is hard to wear).
- Rubber boots
- Plastic bags
- Band-aid (the number of cuts can be large - I know from my own experience! And mostly not from a knife, but from sedge, which often grows through sphagnum).
- Gloves (they are not so comfortable to work in, but they still protect the hands)
Moss should be harvested in "clearings" about 30 cm wide and at the same intervals - so it will be easier for it to recover and grow. According to the rules, re-harvesting in such a site is possible no earlier than after 7-10 years!
wet sphagnum wring out to get rid of excess water.
For the same purpose, you can weather moss, but do not dry it (if you need it alive): on the north / west window sill or even on the street in the shade, spread it in an even layer and wait for the wind to dry the main part of the sphagnum. Most importantly, don't overdo it! Moss must be damp but not wet.
Treatment / sterilization of sphagnum
As for moss processing, you need to decide what kind of sphagnum you want to get - live or dry. We use only. Moreover, we do not process it, since he himself has disinfectant properties that are lost during scalding, complete drying and heating. And in all the years of working with him, we have never had any problems due to his fault.
Sphagnum conservation
To keep sphagnum alive, it must be stored in closed plastic bags in frost or cold(refrigerator or freezer), we store outside. When needed, unfreeze it and it will come to life! Everything is like in nature! You can still grow moss: cut off the green parts of the moss and put them in a pan with wet peat, remembering to water constantly. They say it looks great! :)
Acquisition / purchase of sphagnum
And of course, the simplest thing is to buy moss, saving yourself from unnecessary worries, troubles and difficulties! When ordering on the site, you will receive a parcel with live, weathered (but not dry), hand-peeled sphagnum packed in a zip bag. You just have to add approximately 200 ml of water (based on 2 liters of moss), and use live sphagnum as needed!
Photo - this is white sphagnum moss. Where does it grow? Where can I buy? This can be found in the article below.
White sphagnum moss is a perennial, marsh plant that grows in swampy areas and forms sphagnum, watery islands. At least forty species and varieties of this moss grow in Russia, which prefers to grow in the tundra, or forest zones of the Far North. In the southern regions, white moss grows on the temperate plains, or in the highlands.
Sphagnum does not have a root system, the lower part dies off, turning into peat, the upper part remains green and continues to grow. The natural properties of sphagnum are amazing. Moss absorbs water in large quantities compared to its own weight, while giving off excess moisture in moderation. That is why sphagnum has found wide application in horticulture. Soils where there is white moss always receive the necessary moisture in a balanced way. Such properties of white moss are achieved due to the structure of the moss itself, because its leaves and stem contain hollow breathable cells in the form of reservoirs, thanks to which white moss absorbs water like a sponge and retains it in large volume for quite a long time.
The antifungal, disinfectant and antibacterial properties of sphagnum have long been known. Sphagnum has these properties due to a special substance that is part of sphagnum, called sphagnum, which in its composition resembles natural antibiotics, enhanced by the action of coumarin and triterpene acids. It is no coincidence that in Rus' white moss has always been used to heal festering wounds and burns.
Gardeners, very often with the help of sphagnum, acidify depleted soil, which gives a brighter color and a green, saturated color to all plants.
By itself, white moss is not very whimsical. Once having received the required amount of water, sphagnum retains water in the substrate and prevents oxygen from accessing organic deposits in its tissues, therefore, no decomposition or decay processes occur in its structure. The low content of any nutrients prevents the processes of oppression of living tissues, due to which the moss always renews itself and does not require special attention.
Nowadays, sphagnum is used from construction, (laying in interventional joints), to horticulture (transportation of root crops over long distances,). Sphagnum is used in design, floristry, and landscape architecture. In medicine, sphagnum is used to make detergents and disinfectants. Great importance has sphagnum, to preserve, feed and increase productivity in floriculture.
Photo - and this is not white sphagnum moss! Although very similar! This moss moss or Norwegian moss. Such a unique moss with us, as well as sphagnum, can be bought in bulk.
In the store, sphagnum can be purchased in plastic bags. Do not be afraid if the moss is yellowish. In order for it to become alive and green, it is enough to feed the purchased moss with slightly fed water, it is only necessary to determine which moss is needed for use: live or not live. According to the recommendations of many gardeners, only live moss is needed to fertilize the soil; in construction, dried moss is naturally used to the state of tow.
To purchase sphagnum, just call the phone, indicate the delivery address, the required quantity and determine the payment methods. The rest of the work will be done by our specialists. Happy shopping! For wholesale buyers spring discounts and advantageous offers!
Probably, many readers have heard of such moss as sphagnum. It is not surprising - it is found in many regions of our country and is actively stocked by experienced flower growers. And in general, the scope of its application is quite wide. Therefore, it will be useful to tell how it is used and where sphagnum moss grows. The photos attached to the article will allow you to learn more about it.
What it is?
To begin with, it should be noted that sphagnum is a type of moss. It is remarkably survivable, easily enduring not only high humidity, but also very low without the slightest harm to itself. According to experts, once sphagnum belonged to algae. But gradually, as the climate changes and the area of reservoirs shrinks, he was forced to change and as a result perfectly adapted to life in humid places.
Appearance
Now it’s worth telling what sphagnum moss looks like - the photos still give only a rather superficial idea.
He cannot boast of a particularly outstanding appearance. It has a very thin green stem, originating at the root and stretching upward. It has an emerald green color. The upper part is covered with small leaves arranged in a spiral. By the way, for clarity, it should be noted that in fact this moss has no roots. And that brown part, which not very experienced botanists perceive as a root, is an old, dead part of the plant.
Sphagnum, despite its small size, is a perennial plant. With the approach of cold weather, it freezes to continue life in the spring. It grows only up, not to the side. The lower part eventually dies off, rots, becoming peat.
The stems grow very densely, most often in damp places. Because of this, only the upper part receives the light necessary for the development of green plants. And in the lower, shaded, chlorophyll is destroyed over time, and it becomes white. Over time, it rots, acquiring a brown color.
It reproduces, like most mosses, with the help of spores. They contain germ cells grown on the stem. After maturation, the sac bursts, and thanks to water and wind, light spores are carried to a decent distance.
Where is found
Now it’s worth telling how to find sphagnum moss in nature - photos will help you easily identify it.
This valuable plant is most often found in the north of our country. Moreover, mainly in forest thickets, where small rivers and lakes, as well as streams and swamps provide high soil moisture.
Sphagnum is surprisingly unpretentious. He has enough for the successful development of even weak, diffused sunlight. In addition, it grows well on all surfaces: stones, clay, trees, earth, even glass and iron.
However, if you tell where sphagnum moss grows in Russia, the photo of which is attached to the article, then it is worth noting that you can also meet it in the steppe. But this place must be very humid - for example, somewhere near streams or lakes.
How it is used
Not every person who has seen a chic sphagnum carpet in the forest realizes how wide the scope of this amazing plant is. But people have learned to use it in construction, crop production, cosmetology and even medicine.
Thanks to a number of features, moss becomes a truly unique material. To begin with, it should be noted that it perfectly passes air, absorbing excess moisture from it, and dry, on the contrary, moisturizes to a comfortable level. Experts say that moss absorbs a huge amount of moisture - 20 times more than it has! Can any other material boast such an indicator of moisture absorption?
It is also very important that it has antiseptic properties. This allows it to be used in medicine, mainly in extreme medicine.
However, in order for the reader to better understand the topic, it is worth giving a few specific examples.
Why does flower growers need it
Most often, when talking about the use of sphagnum moss, the photo of which is attached to the article, people remember about indoor plants. It is really actively used in the care of flowers.
First of all, it is worth talking about helping with seed germination. They need to be kept in a humid environment. However, fabric, not to mention paper, dries very quickly. Moisturize it every day, and sometimes several times a day. Moss sphagnum solves this problem - moisten it abundantly and wrap the seeds in juicy greens. After that, you can forget about them for a few days. Moss will quickly absorb excess moisture, so rot does not threaten the seeds. But then he will give them excess moisture and they will not dry out.
Due to the same effect, moss is actively used in the care of plants in pots. It is necessary to lay a thick layer of sphagnum directly on the soil, after which it will be possible to water the flowers not daily, but once a week. At the same time, moss will protect plants from bacteria and infections that carry diseases. It has long been noticed that sphagnum, which has antiseptic properties, does not allow the appearance of mold and fungi in its vicinity.
In addition, the soil under it becomes looser and softer. As a result, it is better saturated with oxygen, and the plant grows faster.
In addition, with the active growth of moss, its lower part will die off, this has already been discussed above. As a result, dead areas turn into peat - an excellent fertilizer for any plant.
Application in medicine
Historians are well aware that during terrible wars like the Great Patriotic War, sphagnum saved the lives and health of many soldiers and officers. Simple antibiotics, bandages and cotton wool were sorely lacking, so experienced doctors used sphagnum. Clean bundles were placed directly on the wound, after which they were rewound with any tissue, often not even sterile. Sphagnum destroyed harmful bacteria around it. Thanks to this, the wounds healed faster. It is no coincidence that earlier detachments were formed from the pioneers and the Octobrists, who prepared this raw material and sent it to the front.
It can also be used at home. Are you suffering from nail or foot fungus? Putting some moss in your shoes will solve this problem forever. And without the purchase of expensive drugs with dubious effectiveness.
Can be taken with sphagnum and baths. Steam 100 grams of moss with three liters of boiling water, insist overnight and pour into a bath filled with warm water. Two half-hour procedures a week (just lie in the bath) and arthritis with arthrosis will recede, sweating will improve and excess salt will be removed from the body.
moss cultivation
Not everyone knows that sphagnum can be cultivated at home, and the procedure is surprisingly simple. It is enough to have at least a small piece of moss - you can find it in the forest, take it from friends or purchase it in a special store.
First, the sphagnum must be washed. To do this, soak it in warm water (preferably settled) and leave for half a day. Every few hours, the moss needs to be lightly shaken to remove debris, earth and sand. After the time has elapsed, carefully remove the thin stems and pour out the dirty water.
Now you can start growing the plant. Put it in a three-liter jar or small aquarium. Pour some water, close the container and leave in a sunny place. In the process of photosynthesis, oxygen will be produced, and dead stems will serve as a substrate and a source of carbon dioxide. This will create a closed ecosystem, from which you can sometimes take away some of the moss and add some water.
Harvesting sphagnum
If you find varieties of sphagnum moss in the forest (photos will help identify it), then you can stock it for future use. It is best to collect valuable raw materials near streams or lakes in well-shaded places - these are ideal conditions, which means that the plant will be of the highest quality.
You can collect all the moss along with the "roots", then the process goes much faster. In addition, peat fertilizer will form faster, which is important for many flower growers.
Or you can carefully cut off the top green layer with simple scissors, leaving white and brown in place. In this case, you will get a smaller amount of moss, but it will be alive and able to grow perfectly, growing rapidly in your small plantation.
We store correctly
The rules for storing moss depend primarily on how you plan to use it.
Do you need dry sphagnum used in medicine? Then the easiest way is to use a cord or a strong thread and hang the stems in a thin layer in a warm place with good ventilation. Well, or at least spread it on a towel or newspaper and leave it on the windowsill, well lit by the sun. Stir the moss a couple of times a day so that it dries evenly. Otherwise, the upper part will dry out and form a crust. Inside, the stems will remain wet and over time, mold may appear here, making the use of moss for medical purposes impossible.
A completely different storage method should be chosen if your goal is to keep it alive for the longest possible period. It is not at all difficult to cope with this task. Rinse the moss well, then fold it into a paper or cloth bag to put in the refrigerator or freezer. In such conditions, it can easily be preserved for several years. When you need sphagnum, simply take it out of the refrigerator and leave it in a warm, slightly damp place. After a few hours, the stems will thaw, and after a few days they will continue to grow, as if nothing had happened. But here it is worth considering that the longer the sphagnum lies frozen, the fewer stems will remain alive. It is advisable to remove the rest as soon as it is clear that they have died. It is not difficult to determine this - they dry out pretty quickly.
Conclusion
Now you know much more about the amazing sphagnum moss, from its appearance to its scope. It is possible that many have a desire to try to grow it at home.