What is sphagnum peat moss used for?
It is perfect for cultivating succulents, Christmas wreaths, kokedama, and as a soil topper or a component in potting mixes. Sphagnum moss also plays a crucial role in the creation of both open and closed terrariums, aiding in humidity control and water retention. You can use sphagnum moss for any plants, including cactus, ferns, and carnivorous plants. They’re great for plants that need special care, like sphagnum moss for orchids. You can also use it for DIY projects! You’ll want to use dried moss sphagnum if a plant requires moist soil.A common use of sphagnum moss is for seed starting or as a growing medium for succulents and orchids—any plants where a light, airy texture with good moisture retention is key. You can either use sphagnum moss on its own or mix it into another potting medium.Sphagnum can be used for almost any carnivorous plant, and some growers use it extensively, although obtaining suitable quantities can be problematic. Sphagnum can be used fresh (live) or dried; dried moss needs to be rehydrated.Sphagnum actually refers to the genus of the plants, where there are over 380 species of sphagnum. However, the difference between sphagnum moss vs peat moss is the part of the plant being used. Sphagnum moss is the top layer of moss, while peat moss is the layer of decomposed moss that’s been compressed.Sphagnum moss has a neutral pH as opposed to sphagnum peat moss, which has a lower, more acidic pH (3. Peat moss is a less expensive addition for potting and garden soils that works well for acid-loving plants. Tannins are abundant in peat moss. Both have good water retention.
What is one disadvantage that sphagnum peat moss has?
When peat moss is harvested, carbon dioxide is released, and carbon dioxide is a significant contributor to climate change. While some scientists view peat bogs as a possible aid in reversing climate change, the very increases in heat and drought brought about by climate change may destroy the bogs. Many different amendments can be added into the soil to help get it just right, and peat moss is unquestionably one of the most popular. The benefits of using a peat-based potting mix include: Improved soil drainage to prevent soggy soil and root rot.Much more sustainable than peat moss, coco coir does just as well at amending soil without creating an ecological impact.The New York Times cited environmental leaders exclaiming “the consequences of its continued use on diverse peatland habitats is too high. The article goes on to explain that “Peat extraction releases substantial carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change.The reality is, however, that it is nearly impossible for a home gardener to get the peat moss application rate right. You might add too much and make the soil too acidic, and you might add too little which won’t help with moisture and aeration.It takes thousands of years for peat moss to develop, and harvesting it requires digging up bogs, which destroys the potential for regeneration of the swamp.
Is there a difference between sphagnum moss and peat moss?
Sphagnum moss is the top layer of moss, while peat moss is a compressed layer of decomposing moss. Can sphagnum moss be used as peat moss? In reality, they are two different components of the same plant, yet their effects are vastly different. Sphagnum moss is different from peat moss in its origin, composition, and sustainability. It can be used in lieu of potting soil for some plants, and as an additive for many others.
Is sphagnum peat moss better than compost?
Compost can compact and sometimes contains weed seeds, unlike peat. Because peat moss does not compact, it can provide excellent soil aeration for multiple years. Both compost and peat moss hold water well, but peat moss has better moisture retention levels, especially when added to rocky or sandy soils. Once processed, peat moss continues to slowly release carbon as the peat oxidizes, but our potting media—in the hands of conscientious farmers—will spend only 3-7 months of its lifespan as a bulk pile or bagged product. Once seeds have germinated in one of our soil mixes, the soil becomes a carbon sink once again.In these anaerobic (oxygenless) conditions, peat moss takes centuries to break down. Peat moss continues to break down at this slow pace in your soil, which means it lasts a lot longer than other organic materials. One application of peat moss will benefit your soil for two years or more.It is key to thoroughly mix in peat moss with soil, if it is exposed at the surface, it tends to harden or blow away. Because peat moss is acidic, for plants that need a higher pH, you may have to add garden lime to the soil to raise its pH over time.Many growers wash their peat to remove nutrients and spores to reduce problems with moss, cyanobacteria, liverworts, ferns and other organisms found naturally in peat.
What plants like sphagnum peat moss?
Epiphytic plants, like moth orchids, are happiest when grown in light, soilless mediums like peat moss. Moreover, since peat moss is acidic, it works wonders when applied to acid-loving edible plants, like blueberries, peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. When planting species that thrive in acidic soil—such as blueberries or azaleas—mix peat moss into your potting soil to achieve an acidic pH. Peat moss can also help neutralize alkaline soil by bringing down the overall pH. This can help you grow plants that like roughly neutral soil like camellias.Peat moss is acidic but there are few plants that thrive preferably in alkaline soil and don’t do well with peat moss. These include spinach, gourds, cauliflower, berries, and ginger, etc.Peat moss is acidic, and is excellent for use with acid-loving plants, like blueberries, azaleas and tomatoes. Because it can make your soil more acidic, you may need to add lime to the soil.Epiphytic plants, like moth orchids, are happiest when grown in light, soilless mediums like peat moss. Moreover, since peat moss is acidic, it works wonders when applied to acid-loving edible plants, like blueberries, peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.Gardeners often ask, is peat moss good for vegetable garden use? The answer is yes—its lightweight, acidic, and moisture-retentive nature makes it an excellent choice for starting seeds and improving soil conditions for many vegetables, especially in sandy or compacted soils.
Why is the use of peat moss sphagnum controversial?
As it’s harvested, the carbon is released the carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to a warming climate. Harvesting peat moss also destroys a native habitat essential to the survival of many birds, reptiles, insects and small mammals. Continued formation of peat is threatened by global warming, as well as extensive mining, since drying out of the top layer kills the sphagnum moss layer above the decomposing material. Because it takes such a long time for peat to form, mining it means depleting an almost non-renewable resource.The unsustainable exploitation of peat poses a threat to biodiversity and exacerbates the global environmental crisis. In response to these concerns, governments, environmental organisations, and industry stakeholders are taking steps to limit or phase out the use of peat in commercial products.