How to collect moss for bedding in your terrarium yourself
It is important to know how to harvest moss yourself and use it. Forest moss is a quality natural bedding for terrarium dwellers. It maintains the required level of humidity, maintains the microclimate in a confined space, is a natural moist pillow for reptiles, decorative frogs, snails... During the year, it is periodically replaced in the terrarium, replacing damaged parts. It is better to harvest sphagnum in the fall before sub-zero temperatures.
Sphagnum has good antiseptic properties. It prevents the development of harmful microorganisms, prevents the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
What types are suitable
In nature, there are many types of sphagnum, about 42 varieties grow on the territory of Russia. However, not all are suitable for use in a terrarium. For example, large sphagnum with reddish tops does not grow well at home. Over time, it cakes, turns into dust. At the same time, plants with smaller green shoots retain their appearance for a long time, do not dry out and maintain the necessary moisture.
Forest Sphagnum is a suitable variety for terrarium substrate.
Where to collect
How to collect
To collect, stock up on the following equipment:
- household gloves;
- plastic bag.
Small forest sphagnum can be easily removed from the hummock by hand. Its small roots do not stick to the surface. No special equipment is required to collect it.
It is advisable to collect raw materials from clean uniform pillows, not clogged with spruce needles or dry leaves.
But if several blades of grass, needles or leaves get into the bag during harvesting, this is not a problem. It is not necessary to go through the entire substrate and remove foreign elements. They form a natural cushion and do not disturb the terrarium ecosystem.
How to handle before use
The substrate collected with his own hands in ecological reserves does not need to be processed. Rarely, parasites (helminths or mites) can enter the terrarium with the collected material. If in doubt about the purity of the material, scald it with boiling water. After it is squeezed out and used as directed.