Even if you’re someone who only has a passing interest in horticulture, the likelihood is that you will have heard of peat moss. It’s a material that has been used in garden soil for decades, due to the many nurturing characteristics it offers to healthy plant growth.
Something that’s not so well known is the relatively new alternative - the sphagnum moss:
Sphagnum moss is a plant that grows on the surface of soil or a swamp. It thrives in New Zealand and other wet climates. It is carefully harvested to ensure regeneration of bogs, a cycle which typically takes 5-6 years.
Peat moss, on the other hand, is the layer of decaying, water-saturated sphagnum moss that has sunk below the surface. It is the basis of swamp land, forming over thousands of years.
Although peat moss can be found in potting soils in nearly every gardening center in the world, harvesting peat moss is not a sustainable practice. 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.
There are more than 350 species of sphagnum moss. These plants species can provide sphagnum moss and peat moss. Sphagnum moss is harvested in wetlands and grows in bogs. After draining, it forms sphagnum moss. It is a living plant that is harvested when it is alive.
Properties of Peat Moss
Less expensive compared to sphagnum moss
Perfect for acid-loving plants
Sold in compressed and bale form
Suitable for potting and gardening soil
Includes mixture of twigs, insects, plants, and moss
Doesn’t have any noticeable plant parts due to its fixture
Properties of Sphagnum Moss
Highest water retention ability
Neutral in terms of pH
Long-fibered texture so it will stay in its natural form
Pure and natural without any plant materials or insects
Perfect for growing medium as it is supple and soft
Suitable as growth material
What Is Sphagnum Moss Used For?
You can use Sphagnum moss as a lining in a garden rather than a soil amendment. It retains water well and has a green, gray, and brown color that makes it a favored choice for hanging baskets or the topping of large pots. You can buy it in both long (natural fibers) or milled (chopped).
There are some instances in which you can use sphagnum moss as planting material in and of itself. Orchids are often planted in solely sphagnum moss, and it is also used as a seed starting medium. However, it is sold in smaller bags and is more expensive than peat moss, so it is more of a specialty tool rather than something in every gardener’s toolkit.
Better Gro Sphagnum Moss is an all-natural solution for happy, healthy plants. This high-quality moss gently cushions delicate seedlings, reducing transplant shock and promoting strong root growth.
Better Gro Sphagnum moss has unique properties and provides excellent air circulation and superior moisture retention and it's free from dyes and additives.
What is Peat Moss Used For?
Peat moss’s principal benefits are its water retention property, improvement in soil texture, and its ability to help keep nutrients from leaching out of the surrounding earth.
Peat moss is added to the soil to make it better for gardening. Because of its low pH, it is an excellent choice for acid-loving plants. When used with plants that are not fond of an acidic environment, it is typically balanced with a more basic substance like lime.
Fertilome Sphagnum Peat Moss is a versatile soil amendment that tackles a variety of problems:
Thin, Sandy Soils. This peat moss adds vital body, improving moisture retention and structure.
Heavy Clay Soil. Fertilome aerates compacted soil, allowing for better root growth and drainage.
Erosion Fighter: Worried about soil washout? This product helps reduce erosion, keeping your precious topsoil in place.
Nutrient Champion: Say goodbye to fertilizer leaching! Sphagnum peat moss helps retain valuable nutrients for your plants to utilize.
Moisture Master: Minimize watering with this natural product that reduces evaporation and keeps soil moist for longer.
Effortless Weeding: Enjoy easier hoeing with improved soil tilth created by the peat moss.
pH Levels
When you choose soil amendments for indoor plants, it is important to carefully consider where every amendment falls on the pH scale. You should not use any amendments that are too basic or acidic if the soil is more neutral.
You can use soil with slightly acidic amendments for acidic soil. The same rules apply to alkaline soil indoor plants.
Although you might only be familiar with tannins in coffee, they are a natural composite that is astringent as well as bitter. They can be found in almost any plant matter, including peat moss. Peat moss is more acidic because it contains tannins. The pH range for this species ranges between 3.0 and 4.5. while sphagnum moss is neutral with a pH level of 7.
Age
If you are extracting sphagnum from a swamp or bog, it is recommended to give the moss 5 to 6 more years at least to mature enough to be harvested.
Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the majority of sphagnum found in indoor plants’ pots is older than five years. However, it is possible that some of it may take older than that. Though the average age was twice as high, it wouldn’t be older than peatmoss.
Fibres
It can be difficult to tell the difference visually between sphagnum and peat moss when they reach the consumer, in order to get into your plant’s soil.
However, it is much easier to determine which mosses are which when they are free to grow in their natural environments.
Peat moss often has the texture you associate with moss. It is a thin, bright green moss that looks almost like turf. It will be damp and squishy if you touch it or walk on it. Although sphagnum moss can be moist and mushy, it is not like turf. It instead grows visible fibres.
Why Should Gardeners Care About the Difference Between Peat Moss and Sphagnum Moss?
The fact that sphagnum moss comes from the living plant and peat moss comes from the dead part does not imply they may have the same impact on your plant.
For instance, sphagnum moss has a neutral pH level, while sphagnum peat moss is acidic. Because their features and abilities differ, it is essential that gardeners do not get these similarly named products confused.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is better, sphagnum moss or peat moss?
Sphagnum moss is like a happy plant, neutral (pH 7) so it's not acidic or basic. Peat moss is more like broken down leaves, a bit acidic (pH 3-4.5). That's why it's good for plants that like extra acidity, like blueberries. Peat moss is cheaper for mixing in your soil. Think of it like a budget-friendly option. Both sphagnum moss and peat moss are great at holding water, like a sponge for your plants!
Can I replace peat moss with sphagnum moss?
Think of them as teammates, but with different skills: Sphagnum moss is great for adding moisture and airflow to roots, often used in terrariums, hanging baskets, and for propagating plants. Peat moss is commonly mixed with soil outdoors to increase water retention and acidity for plants that prefer acidic conditions. Neither provides significant nutrients for plants.
Why is sphagnum called peat moss?
Sphagnum moss thrives in those squishy, acidic bogs. It's like the star player, constantly growing and adding its spongy goodness to the mix. Over time, all that dead and decomposed sphagnum moss builds up, slowly forming what we call peat or peat moss! So, sphagnum moss both lives in and contributes to the creation of peat moss. Pretty cool, right?
When not to use peat moss?
Peat moss loves acidity, but some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, prefer a more neutral or even slightly alkaline soil. If you add peat moss to their party, the soil might get too acidic, making it hard for them to take up nutrients. The result? Plants that are stunted, sad, and might even kick the bucket.
Which plants like peat moss?
Peat moss is a moisture-loving medium is perfect for many plants, from leafy houseplants like pothos to colorful hydrangeas . Even air plants like moth orchids thrive in its light and airy embrace. Just remember, not all plants love the acidic side, so do a quick check before adding some peat to your plant's party.
Why is my sphagnum moss turning green?
A dark green colour is usually a sign that alga is growing. It can drown or overwhelm small plants. It is best to cover it with silica sand and top-dressing. Sphagnum Moss is a light-coloured, fluffy new growth point that appears to be coming from dormant Sphagnum Moss spores.
Can I mix sphagnum moss and potting soil?
It can be mixed with soil or other potting medium depending on the plant. Sphagnum moss is not very rich in nutrients so it may require more frequent waterings.
Is sphagnum mold possible in sphagnum moss?
Gardeners who use sphagnum moss in place of traditional soil are more at risk from fungal and mold problems that could affect the growing medium.
Do you need to wet peatmoss?
You will need to thoroughly wet the peat moss before you use it. Take as much of the peat moss as you need and place it in a large container or wheelbarrow. Stir in the water, and then allow it to soak for a few more minutes. Continue to add water until the mixture is fully soaked.
Does sphagnum moss rot?
The faster sphagnum-moss degradation occurs, the more you keep it soaked. The moss becomes fungi and bacteria, and the cells are broken down by other fungi and bacteria. This change tends to be more dramatic than any other potting soil.
Thank you for Reading.
Now you've got the lowdown on sphagnum and peat moss! Remember, using the right one can make all the difference for your plants. If you're still unsure which moss to choose, don't hesitate to leave a comment below – we're happy to help!
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