Forest moss sphagnum: how to grow at home

Forest moss sphagnum (from the Greek "sponge") is a type of marshy plant that actively absorbs and retains water with the entire green mass. Dried sphagnum moss is an environmentally friendly material that is used in construction, floriculture, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine. Reheating, the lower layers eventually turn into peatforming a natural nourishing sponge. It is this feature that is appreciated by flower growers.

Forest moss sphagnum is actively used in the cultivation of phalaenopsis, mixing the dried plant with the bark. Young plants and cuttings are rooted in it.

What to do with the acquired bump

For planting, sphagnum is collected in the forest (only in the northern swampy regions) or purchased from breeders by mail. Before shipment, the green layer is removed from the container, tightly rolled up and placed in a sealed bag. During delivery, the green hummock does not die, since a humid microclimate remains in a tightly closed bag.

After receiving the parcel, you must:

open the package, visually assess the condition of the plant;
use the green part for further rooting and growth;
for long-term storage, dry sphagnum in a cardboard box in a dark place or freeze in parts in a freezer.

Before shipment, the plant is packed in packages of about 1 liter. This volume can be divided into several parts: for use, for storage and for growing.

How to grow moss yourself

For growing at home you will need:

parent hummock with green areas of moss;
container 10 - 15 cm deep, 15 - 20 cm wide, up to 30 cm long;
melted, distilled or filtered water;
spray;
film;
Scotch;
scissors.

For landing you need:

pour warm water into a clean, disinfected container (layer no more than 5 - 7 mm);
evenly distribute the planting material;
spray clean water on top with a spray bottle;
close the container with foil, securing the foil with tape;
leave a hole along the edge for air intake or make several holes directly in the film.

Necessary growing conditions

After planting, the container covered with a film is placed under a fluorescent lamp. It is undesirable to open the container. During the growth period, observe the amount of water in the container and the presence of perspiration on the film. If necessary, sphagnum is re-sprayed and water is added.

moss