Used widely in hanging baskets, specialist fern potting mixes and terrariums Sphagnum Moss sold in Australia comes in compressed blocks as well as loose bags. Generally Sphagnum moss comes from Tasmania or New Zealand.
This an organic moisture retentive material widely used in horticulture. The species found naturally in Australia is Sphagnum crisatum and it is grows naturally in the high mountain areas on the Victorian – New south Wales border as well as in Tasmania. Much Sphagnum Moss is imported from New Zealand and this includes the species Sphagnum subnitens.
Sphagnum moss is also used for its decorative qualities where it can create an attractive surface on a pot or hanging basket for show or display purposes. Sometimes used as a backing when mounting ferns and orchids.
Using Spahgnum moss
Used for its water retentive qualities as well as for allowing air into potting mixes loose Sphagnum Moss is usually moist and ready to use, compressed blocks will need to be soaked in water until the moss has expanded and then drained before use.
Widely used in the following areas.
- Orchid Growing.
- Backing Material for ferns including Elkhorn and Staghorn ferns..
- In terrariums.
- In hanging baskets where high water retention is important.
- For growing carnivorous plants.
- For plant propagation including ariel layering.
- Fern and other potting mixes where water retention is required.
Available from the following suppliers
507 Belgrave-Gembook Rd, Cockato, Victoria, 3781
Ferns and Tree Ferns, Tasmanian Tree Ferns. Ferns and Bromeliads on Tree Fern Backing Boards, Bromeliads, Kangaroo Paw, Sphagnum Moss, Hypoestes Phyllostachya, Phalaenopsis.
www.ferngardens.com.au