They couldn't be more opposite and yet they enter into a congenial partnership. As an inconspicuous, rootless spore plant, sphagnum moss is useful in many ways in the cultivation of majestic orchids. Read here where the deciduous moss species is at the service of the queen of flowers.
Why is moss helpful for orchids?
Sphagnum moss is useful for orchids because it acts as an additive in the orchid substrate, helps with plant staking, and preserves moisture for orchid seedlings. To cultivate in a natural way, orchids can be tied to branches covered with sphagnum.
Indispensable additive in the orchid substrate
By planting epiphytic orchids in a pot, we force the noble flowers into an unnatural way of life. The quality of orchid soil is therefore very important in order to provide the aerial roots with at least approximately acceptable conditions. In addition to the main component bark pieces, sphagnum moss ingeniously covers the need for a humus-rich additive with first-class water storage power.
Tying up orchids is only possible with moss
Strung on a branch, you can cultivate your orchids realistically and impressively. The sophisticated flower beauty only feels in good hands when there is sphagnum moss at her feet. This is how the plan works:
- Place the moistened moss on the branch and secure it with a fine hair net
- Position the orchid on top with its aerial roots
- Tether the aerial roots to the moss and branch with strips of nylon stocking
You can optionally tie up the moss with brown sewing thread before placing the orchid on it. Within a short time, the moss will grow so thickly over its binding material that it can no longer be seen.
This is how moss gets orchids going
Outside the warm, humid rainforest climate, the aerial roots of orchids are always threatened by drought stress. This applies not least when a Phalaenopsis orchid sprouts on a stem or pseudobulb. Until the offshoots have their own, strong aerial roots and can be separated from the mother plant, sphagnum ensures that they do not dry out.
To do this, wrap the child's trunk area with peat moss and spray it daily with soft water.
Tip
As a result of increasing urbanization and overexploitation, sphagnum moss is one of the most endangered moss species. In order to protect the genus from extinction, all types of peat moss are protected. Therefore, please do not take sphagnum from nature, but rather purchase it from certified specialist retailers, where it is offered at a reasonable price for less than 1 euro per liter.
