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Live Sphagnum Moss Propagation

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by ZWUM, Jul 15, 2023.

  1. Jul 15, 2023 #1
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Hi All,

    Does anyone have a recommendation for a high quality, additive free, peat moss? I need it for propagating live sphagnum moss.

    Anyone with experience propagating and growing live sphagnum willing to share their methods would also be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks in advance.

    -Zach
     
  2. Jul 16, 2023 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    1. Buy dried sphagnum
    2. Put it in a pot
    3. Keep it moist with pure water
    4. Keep it bright
    It will grow.
     
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  3. Jul 16, 2023 #3
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Thanks Ray!
     
  4. Jul 23, 2023 #4
    Butterfly

    Butterfly New Member

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    I found a peat moss product named Hoffman. They sell it and many of the non-chain garden centers around me. Otherwise all you can find is Miracle Gro at the big box stores or a 3 foot cube.

    I am also trying to grow live sphagnum. It has sprouted for me randomly in some of my pots but for this project I found some live to seed my trays. I put peat on the bottom, moist "dead" lfs in the middle and then a sprinkling of live bits on the top and keep it in a tray with a bit of water and in a humidity done. I followed Mick from "Mick's Masdevallias" on you tube. It's only been a couple of weeks but it's definitely growing so I feel I'm on the right path.

    here is the link.
     
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  5. Aug 2, 2023 #5
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Thanks for sharing, I watched that video too. His methods are what I’m attempting to emulate (I found some decent peat moss). I ended up trying a tray utilizing the pseudo-bog method found in the video and a few with Ray’s method mentioned above. All the trays are in the same conditions which should allow for a reasonable comparison of which method works best in my conditions. I’ll post an update in a few months with the results.
     
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  6. Aug 3, 2023 #6
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Zach, just be aware "my method" was not an attempt to grow more moss, but was based upon observing it do that spontaneously in pots in my PA greenhouse.
     
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  7. Aug 3, 2023 #7
    Butterfly

    Butterfly New Member

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    This is my propagation chamber. I have an aquarium light over it. Sorry it's so blurry, it is in a tall humidity dome in my basement.
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. Aug 3, 2023 #8
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Looks great!