The use of moss when planting indoor flowers. How to use sphagnum moss for indoor plants. Moss sphagnum: description

Plants growing in swamps differ from others in their structure and properties. Moss sphagnum refers to those herbs that, having adapted to terrestrial life, have retained some features of aquatic cultures. The representative of bryophytes firmly takes its place in nature, sharing its beneficial properties with humans.

Many are familiar with peat moss - sphagnum, meeting with him while walking through the forest. When walking on a beautiful carpet of moss, your feet gently sink into it. At each step, a person feels humidity, as climbing shoots absorb moisture from the soil, air, retaining it in their cells. But moss is the material from which peat masses, brown coal have been formed for thousands of years. Sphagnum thickets play an important role in the regulation of the hydrological regime of territories.

Swamp moss sphagnum is distributed throughout the globe, but unevenly. In the tropics, he prefers mountainous terrain, and in the northern regions - damp areas of pine and spruce forests. Sphagnum is less common in the steppes. The variety of plant species, the settlement of vast territories by it - everything speaks of its great role in natural groups. It is sphagnum and other bryophytes that play an important role in regulating the processes of evaporation of moisture from the ground.

The unusualness of sphagnum is not only in the structure, but also in the useful composition that a person skillfully uses.

The development of moss occurs with a simultaneous process of growth and decomposition. While the upper part of the stems develops, stretching 1-3 centimeters, the lower part, which is under the liquid layer of soil, dies off, sinking to the bottom of the swamp over time.

Hence the variety of structure and color of moss bunches:

  • The top layer of the plant is distinguished by many shades from light green, yellowish to red.
  • At a depth of five centimeters are empty cells without chlorophyll, hence the presence of a pale yellow color.
  • Below the water level, the moss stalks have a light brown tint.
  • Dying parts of sphagnum move to the bottom of the swamp.

The abundantly branching stem of a perennial plant is interesting. Small leaves consist of thin plates covering the stem in the form of scales. Between living cells are transparent shells of the dead. They are a reservoir for retaining moisture, drawing in evaporation from the environment.

Useful properties and applications in medicine

In medicine, such a property of moss as hygroscopicity has long been appreciated. After all, it absorbs moisture twenty times more than ordinary cotton wool. In this case, the wet piece of cotton ball becomes airtight. And sphagnum breathes well even when wet. No wonder moss was used during the war years as a dressing. And surgeons in field hospitals used it to clean wounds from blood and pus.

An important property of the plant is the disinfection of wounds.

Sphagnum actively fights pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The role of antibiotics is performed by the humic acids contained in it, substances from the class of coumarins. Their pronounced bactericidal effect is detrimental to staphylococci, streptococci.

There are many ways to use sphagnum in medical practice:

  1. To heal wounds, burns, moss is wrapped in gauze and applied to the affected areas.
  2. With arthrosis, arthritis, baths are taken, in which an infusion of the plant is added. To prepare it, one hundred grams of dry grass is poured with three liters of hot water. After insisting for twenty to thirty minutes, the solution is filtered and poured into the bath. Such procedures are carried out twice a week for twenty minutes. In addition to treatment, water therapy sessions increase sweating, cleansing the body of toxins and toxins.
  3. To prevent fungal diseases of the nail, the feet put a layer of sphagnum in the shoes.

A plant from the Bryophytes family was known for its beneficial properties from a medical point of view ten centuries ago. And until now, doctors use it in the treatment and prevention of certain pathologies.

The benefits of sphagnum moss were also appreciated by those involved in the cultivation of flowers. Use the material in different ways:

  • Plant seeds germinate well in moist peat moss.
  • The plant is used as an improvement in the composition of the soil when growing indoor flowers. It makes the soil loose, nutritious, moist. In addition, you can be calm about the occurrence of diseases in planted crops. They will not be afraid of any fungi or bacteria. Save plants from moss infection if you wrap them around the roots.
  • For those flowers that need high humidity for full growth, wet moss is placed in the pan or placed between the walls of pots inserted into each other.
  • Preserve garden flower bulbs and tubers simply by placing them in sphagnum moss.
  • Rooting cuttings will be more successful if crushed moss stalks are added to the substrate.
  • Dried stems are good as a covering material for those plants that are afraid of frost.
  • At the heart of peat, the best fertilizer for horticultural and horticultural crops, is sphagnum moss. And for high-quality cultivation of orchids, a substrate is needed, in which, in addition to fern leaves, pine bark, charcoal, there is white moss.

The curly stems of the plant are great for weaving baskets for hanging flowers. They serve as a support for crops with aerial roots. The indispensability of sphagnum in the cultivation of garden, indoor plants was appreciated by all flower growers.

Moss can be harvested at any time of the year. They take only the upper living branches, carefully cutting them off with scissors or a knife. You can also completely remove the grass with your hands. The best place to collect sphagnum will be near trees. After collecting, the moss is squeezed out, removing the browned parts from it, cleaning it of debris and needles. Store the plant in a wet state, placing it in plastic bags and leaving it in the cold.

Dry the stalks by hanging them on hangers or laying them out on a cloth.

After that, the material is placed in paper bags, kept at room temperature. It is necessary to use raw materials within a year. You can harvest sphagnum even in winter by digging it out from under the snow. It does not lose its beneficial properties from frost.

More information can be found in the video:

Sphagnum moss is known to flower growers for being an ideal assistant in rooting cuttings. In fact, it is a unique plant with incredible properties.

Although sphagnum is often referred to as "white moss," in fact, it is not like that. In relatively dry areas of raised bogs, rusty-brown, red or pink and even purple-red specimens can be found. It depends on the type of moss. In more humid places, light green or slightly brownish species usually live.

Sphagnum is a perennial spore plant. It has no roots. Each unit is a thin, constantly branching stalk, the lower part of which gradually dies off. The branches and stem are covered with small scaly leaves arranged in a spiral. Leaves are made up of two types of cells. Some of them are small, narrow-tubular, green, with a solid shell. They carry out photosynthesis.

Others are much larger, hollow and colorless. Such cells are called hyaline. They have pores through which, in dry weather, air penetrates into them, making the color of the plant very light, almost white. During wet periods, water is sucked in through the same pores. It is believed that sphagnum mosses are capable of absorbing about 20 times their own weight in water! Hence the Greek name for moss "sphagnos" - a sponge.

How to use?

It is this property of sphagnum that first of all attracts the attention of flower growers. Chopped moss added to the substrate not only loosens the soil, gives it the necessary structure, but also increases its moisture capacity. It takes excess water immediately after watering, and then gives it to the roots as needed. But it must be borne in mind that the addition of sphagnum to the soil significantly increases its acidity. Therefore, moss should not be taken more than 10% of the total volume of the mixture.

With the help of sphagnum, you can maintain high humidity around the crown of the plant. To do this, it is enough to put moss around the pot and moisten it periodically. But it is not necessary to constantly keep it on the surface of the soil. This can lead to waterlogging and root death. As an exception, this technique can be used when leaving on vacation for 7-8 days.

Antiseptic properties

The next important property of sphagnum is that it contains antiseptics. First of all, this sphagnol- a substance with an anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to this, as well as the ability to acidify everything around it, sphagnum creates an environment in the swamps in which dead plants remain for centuries without rotting.

This quality of moss is also important for flower growers. The bactericidal properties and antiseptic effect of sphagnum can significantly increase the likelihood of rooting of many plants. Only succulents cannot be rooted in it. Excellent results are obtained by the use of sphagnum when propagated by the method of air layering. When transplanting a rooted cutting into the soil, it is useful to leave some moss on the roots in which they grew.

moss harvesting

You can harvest sphagnum moss at any time of the year, but most often it is done in the fall, which makes it possible to keep it alive (by freezing) until the beginning of spring flower growing, when there is usually no access to swamps. Moss is easily removed, but it is better to take only the upper parts of the stems, cutting them off with scissors. No need to be greedy. Remember that one liter plastic bag tightly stuffed with moss is enough to prepare at least 10 liters of planting mix. The collected sphagnum (to reduce weight) is carefully squeezed.

Moss brought from the forest should be poured for 30 minutes with very warm, but not hotter than 45 ° C, water. This will not only saturate it with moisture, but also get rid of insects.

Keep the moss cool in unsealed plastic bags, allowing it to breathe. In winter, it's just cold.

Sphagnum moss belongs to the white peat moss family. In total, there are about 320 species of this plant in the world, which is of great ecological and economic importance.

Moss sphagnum: description

Sphagnum moss has practically no root system - they quickly turn underground into peat, while the ground part continues to grow. Outwardly, it is a straight stem, 15-20 cm high, with bundle-shaped branches and small, single-layer, light green leaves.

Moss sphagnum: where does it grow?

Sphagnum moss grows mainly in swamps in extensive dense clusters, which later form peat cushions. In the northern hemisphere it is found mainly in the tundra, in the southern hemisphere it is found high in the mountains, it is much less common in the flat moist forests of the middle zone.

Moss sphagnum: application in floriculture

This type of moss is actively used in the cultivation of flowers, since it is close to sand in its useful properties for them. Moss makes the earth light, hygroscopic and looser, and significantly improves its quality. It also intensively absorbs water, evenly moistening the soil and retaining moisture for a long time, and the sphagnol contained in the moss prevents the roots from rotting under these conditions and has antibacterial properties. Sphagnum moss can be used both in natural and dried form, because even after shrinkage and long-term storage, it still retains its beneficial properties.

How to use sphagnum moss?

Which plant to use for indoor flowers - fresh or dry, depends on the type of sphagnum. It is mainly used for seed germination and rooting of cuttings, and is also added to the earth mixture as a more useful and natural alternative to artificial substrates. It can also be used for cuttings of flowering plants, using it instead of an earthen mixture in its pure form - chopped or finely grated. Plant wounds heal faster if they are wrapped in moss. When propagating through the use of air layering, it is also recommended to apply sphagnum to the notches that remain on the trunk after division.

Sphagnum moss: use for indoor plants as an earthen component

Sphagnum moss is often mixed into earth mixtures in order to improve their quality, make them more nutritious, loose and moist.

Here are some examples of the use of sphagnum moss for growing orchids.

Substrate for orchids without a greenhouse:

  • 5 pieces of pine bark, in pieces no more than 1-2 cm;
  • 2 parts chopped sphagnum;
  • 1 part charcoal.

Sphagnum for orchids

Cut fresh sphagnum, scald with boiling water, squeeze, pour a solution of a mixture of Kemira Lux mineral fertilizers, place in a plastic bag, tie it tightly and keep it like that for several days. In a freshly prepared sphagnum in this way, a plant should be transplanted at intervals of once every 2 months, until the length of the roots reaches about 7 cm. After that, they are transplanted into the substrate in a permanent place.

Substrate for orchids:

  • sphagnum;
  • fern leaves;
  • pine bark;
  • charcoal.

Good for putting under rhizomes, but not for covering them on top.

Sphagnum moss is also used in floriculture in other qualities:

  1. Like drainage.
  2. Like a mat.
  3. To cover the soil.
  4. For wrapping roots.
  5. For winter storage of bulbs and tubers.
  6. For air humidification.
  7. For protection against fungal diseases of plants.
  8. For the manufacture of supports for plants with aerial roots.
  9. For making various hanging baskets.

Fluffy star-shaped moss, covering wet lowlands and damp forest ravines with green velvet, is a real gift of nature to the gardener and gardener. Finding and preparing it is not difficult at all, and it will bring enormous benefits.

What is useful sphagnum?

Sphagnum (lat. Sphagnum) is a widespread marsh moss, from the dead parts of which high-moor peat is formed. The properties of sphagnum are almost unique: it can hold up to 20 times its own weight in moisture and has a medically recognized antibacterial effect. In addition, properly prepared sphagnum is stored for a long time without losing its valuable qualities.

How to use sphagnum?

In the garden, garden and houseplant care, sphagnum is absolutely indispensable. It is used:

For planting plants and rooting cuttings. Soil with the addition of sphagnum has optimal air permeability, and the antibacterial compounds contained in sphagnum prevent root rot.

For storage of planting material and crop. Tubers, bulbs and fruits, placed in storage in layers of sphagnum, are protected from mold and rot, and the loose structure of sphagnum guarantees good ventilation.

As drainage when planting houseplants. Sphagnum can be used both in combination with expanded clay, and by itself. It is especially convenient for small pots, as it occupies a much smaller volume compared to expanded clay.

For soil mulching when forcing bulbs. Sphagnum maintains soil moisture and protects it from mold.

For storage and shipment of plants. So, rose seedlings with an open root system are stored in the refrigerator until planting, wrapping the roots with wet sphagnum: it prevents them from drying out. When sending plants by mail, sphagnum is used for the same purpose.

To protect the crown of standard roses the first time after landing. The grafting site and part of the crown are covered with wet moss, and the entire crown is wrapped with wet sacking on top, then with ordinary lutrasil. In this state, the rose is left for several weeks. Periodically check the humidity and how the buds develop on the crown. The same stimulation helps a badly overwintered standard rose to get in shape.

As an additive to the substrate when growing indoor plants: saintpaulia, gloxinia, streptocarpus, begonias, dracaena, aroid, bromeliads and orchids. The soil enriched with sphagnum becomes loose and breathable. The addition of sphagnum helps to give the soil a slightly acidic reaction, which is necessary for some houseplants. When growing epiphytes, sphagnum can serve as the main substrate.

How to prepare sphagnum yourself?

Sphagnum is harvested in August-September. Moss brought from the forest must be squeezed out of excess water, tangled debris and insects should be removed from it. Then the sphagnum is laid out on a litter of lutrasil or spunbond in partial shade and regularly turned over. Dried sphagnum is stored packed in a plastic bag in the vegetable section of the refrigerator or in a cool basement. Before use, it must be wetted and squeezed, it is also recommended to disinfect: sphagnum has bactericidal, but not insecticidal properties, and eggs or insect larvae may be preserved in it. For disinfection, the moss is placed in a colander and poured over with boiling water.

All about sphagnum moss for growing plants
I open a new topic “Everything about sphagnum moss for growing plants”, in which I want to find out the following:
1. What kind of moss (what varieties) can be used for growing plants? Is only sphagnum moss suitable for this?
2. How to cook moss?
3. When or in what cases is it desirable to use moss for the care and reproduction of plants?
4. How exactly can moss be used - ways to use moss?
5. What are the purposes of using moss for plant care and plant propagation?
6. Do you use moss for growing plants?
7. Is it possible to do without the use of moss when growing plants?
8. What are your personal observations and practical results of using moss?

Sphagnum - an indispensable assistant in the cultivation of streptocarpus viewtopic.php?f=188&t=11029

Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum) is a perennial that has another name - peat moss. Moss grows in swampy areas, forms vast areas - sphagnum bogs. In Russia and Ukraine, there are about 40 species of sphagnum, while more than 300 are known in the world. Habitat - tundra, forest or mountainous areas, much less common on the plains. The plant has underdeveloped roots, so over time they die off and turn into peat. The upper part continues to grow and develop. When dried, sphagnum can absorb a lot of moisture - 20 times its own weight. It is thanks to this opportunity that he got his name (“sphagnos” in Greek means “sponge”). The plant has a light green (light green) hue, when dry it becomes almost white. Hence another name - white moss.

Glade of sphagnum moss in a forest area.

Sphagnum moss is often used by flower growers. It is used as a component for the soil, as well as in an independent form for rooting cuttings or planting epiphytic plants, such as orchids. Three main properties of the plant should be distinguished:

  • perfectly absorbs water;
  • passes oxygen;
  • unaffected by bacteria.

Hygroscopicity is due to the structure of the plant. The stems and leaves of sphagnum consist of hollow cells, a kind of reservoirs into which water is absorbed. The hygroscopicity of sphagnum is 6 times higher than that of cotton wool. In addition, moisture is evenly distributed in it. This suggests that the use of moss in the composition of the planting soil will help maintain a constant and uniform level of humidity.

A pot of gardenia in sphagnum.

Breathability is achieved thanks to the same cells-reservoirs. Soil mixtures containing sphagnum are light and loose, which has a beneficial effect on the health of the plant's root system.

Scientists working in the field of briology (the science that studies mosses) have proven that sphagnum moss is completely immune to disease. It has disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sphagnum contains antibiotics, bactericides and coumarins. All these substances are natural antiseptics, they are used in the medical industry. And the use in floriculture allows you to forget about the decay of cuttings during reproduction.

Another important property of sphagnum for indoor plants is the ability to acidify the soil - this prevents the reproduction of various kinds of bacteria. For some flowers, such as violets, this feature is indispensable. After all, it is in acidic soil that they bloom more abundantly and longer.

Application in crop production

As mentioned above, the properties of moss are indispensable in floriculture. It can and should be used for breeding:

  • violets and gloxinia;
  • royal and ordinary begonias;
  • orchids and monster;
  • dracaena and dieffenbachia;
  • fat women and cordilins.

In general, this list can include all indoor flowers that prefer high humidity. Sphagnum moss is indispensable for those who are often on the road, and there is no one to entrust watering flowers to. Moss will do the job perfectly, you just need to wet it and overlay the plant. So the soil will be wet for a long time.

Violet overlaid with sphagnum to retain moisture.

Dried sphagnum is used by gardeners in summer cottages. They cover plants that do not tolerate frost. Since not all garden flowers need acidic soil, moss is harvested in the spring, leaving only where it will really be useful. For example, in areas with asters, chrysanthemums or tulips. Some vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and radishes, also like acidic soil.

Collection and storage

Harvesting of sphagnum moss falls on the period from April to October. But even here there are nuances. For example, collection in early spring may be complicated by the presence of melt water in those areas where moss grows, in July - by blood-sucking insects. Rainy October can also derail all plans. Therefore, the best time, according to experts, is August or September. Especially if the weather is right - dry and warm.

Moss is collected in two ways:

  • completely removed, even the root - get more, but be prepared to spend time on a thorough cleaning;
  • the upper part is cut off with a knife - the mass is smaller, but the moss is cleaner.

In the campaign for sphagnum, rubber boots, gloves and plastic bags are required. Just in case, you can take a bactericidal patch with you, since cuts on your hands are not ruled out when working with a knife.

Freshly harvested sphagnum without roots.

If you need live moss, it is better to spread it in the shade, spreading it evenly over the surface. Let the wind dry the sphagnum a little - it should be damp, but not wet! In order to preserve all the useful properties, you need to store moss in plastic bags in a cold room, even in the cold. When needed, it is brought into a warm room, and it comes to life.

Sphagnum moss also grows at home. To grow it yourself, you need to cut off the green part and place it in a tray with wet peat. Be sure to water daily.

The use of sphagnum in other industries

As mentioned above, the properties of moss allow it to be used for medicinal purposes. During the Great Patriotic War, it was used instead of cotton, applied to wounds and burns. He not only stopped the blood and pulled out the pus, but also promoted healing.

Dried moss is also successfully used in the construction of wooden buildings. It is used as a pillow for logs. This makes it possible to keep the heat in the room and get rid of pests that often "occupy" the wood.

Dry sphagnum for warming log buildings.

Beekeepers make hive insulation from pressed dry sphagnum. And the bottom is lined with live moss for disinfection. In animal husbandry, sphagnum moss has also found application. It is used as bedding for small rodents or as litter for the toilet.

To save yourself from the hassle associated with collecting, you can purchase it in specialized stores or order it online. The cost will depend on the weight of the item. So, a 70 gram bag of sphagnum will cost you 80 - 100 rubles. Bulk bags of 50 - 100 liters cost from 1000 to 2500 rubles. Suppliers usually give good discounts to wholesale buyers.

In swampy areas, areas where there are a large number of water bodies, various specific plants grow. Many of them have useful and unique properties. Sphagnum moss is quite common in the forest zone. The photo where this "natural sponge" grows (as its name sounds in Greek) is presented below. The name was given because of its hygroscopic properties.

general information

Green mosses belong to the main groups of mossy plants. Most of them are brightly colored. Sphagnum moss is quite easy to distinguish. He looks much paler than the others. Often in the forest belt you can even find white sphagnum moss. It becomes colorless if it is dried. The roots of the "sponge" are absent. The lower part of the plant turns into peat over time. At the same time, rotting does not occur due to substances with bactericidal properties. Sphagnum moss can be found, in principle, everywhere. However, it is most common in the northern hemisphere of the planet. Favorite places are wetlands, shaded, damp places. In these areas, mass reproduction of the "sponge" is observed.

Description

It should be said that the structure of sphagnum moss is similar to other representatives of the species. In the process of growth, unbranched erect shoots are formed, which are collected in pillows or dense turfs. Their height, as a rule, is no more than five centimeters. There is no real stem. The elements that correspond to them are called phyllidia and caulidia. Through the gaps between these parts, most of the salts and water necessary for normal life enter. Phyllidia usually consist of a single cell layer. Rhizoids play the role of roots. Through these branching multicellular filaments, water is absorbed from the soil with useful compounds dissolved in it. However, with age, rhizoids lose their ability to "conduct" and serve only for support and fixation in the substrate.

What is sphagnum?

As with the vascular representatives of the flora, in the species under consideration, the asexual generation (sporophyte) alternates with the sexual generation (gametophyte). The latter is represented by a photosynthetic green plant. Gametes are formed in the genital organs (gametangia). Male gametangia are called antheridia, female gametangia are called archegonia. From the zygote (fertilized egg) comes the sporophyte - the spore generation. Mossy plants have virtually no chlorophyll. The sporophytes remain attached to the gametophyte, receiving nourishment from it. Each cell contains a diploid (double) chromosome set. The gametophyte has a haploid (single) chromosome structure (as in gametes). Of the two single sets, when the sperm and the egg merge, one double is formed. It is necessary for the development of the sporophyte. During spore formation, meiosis (cell division of the reduction type) occurs. As a result, each spore again becomes haploid. Further, it can germinate into the same single gametophyte. A filamentous branching structure is formed from the spore. It's called protonema. Buds begin to form on it. They subsequently develop into gametophytes.

Distribution mechanism

How does sphagnum moss grow? Where does the "sponge" grow best? The degree of distribution primarily depends on the composition of the soil. The most favorable environment is poorly ventilated soil with low pH. Sphagnum moss is a plant common in shaded areas, under trees, on shaded parts of structures, paths, monuments. It should be noted that growth is very fast. And if mossy plants make up a natural landscape in the forest zone, then when they appear on personal plots, a lot of problems and obstacles are created for the development of other representatives of the flora. In this regard, you should more often think about the ventilation of lawns, paths, facades.

Mechanical methods of dealing with the "sponge" in the garden

One of the main reasons for the growth of moss is considered to be insufficient soil ventilation. To ensure ventilation, it is necessary to penetrate deep into the soil, while ensuring air access to the lower layers. If the weed has not spread very much, then you can remove it manually. To do this, it is enough to dig out each of its bushes. Of considerable importance in preventing the spread of moss is the correct mowing of the lawn. It is she who affects the ability of the turf lying at a depth of about 8 cm to retain air, moisture and fertilizers. As mentioned above, high humidity creates a very favorable environment for the spread of the "sponge".

Chemical Methods

In the fight against the growth of moss, fertilizers can also help. For this, mixtures that help reduce the acidity of the soil are suitable. Experts recommend giving preference to complex tools for processing decorative lawns. These fertilizers usually contain three components: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Such mixtures have a double effect. First of all, due to the properties, mossy growths die. Secondly, due to the presence of nitrogen, grass growth is activated. If you apply fertilizer to moist soil, then the death of mosses occurs faster. As practice shows, a decrease in soil acidity is noted already two days after treatment. In spring or summer, only mossy areas should be sprinkled. In the case of extensive plant distribution, the entire area should be fertilized. Nevertheless, fertilizers should not be abused. You can use the mixture no more than once every 2 months. Experts advise to engage in lowering the acidity of the soil in the autumn. As a result, the alkaline composition of the soil will be provided throughout the winter.

A simple way to get rid of the spread of the "sponge"

A very effective tool for dealing with moss on facades or monuments is ordinary soda. Its solution creates an alkaline environment that is detrimental to it. However, it should be said that if part of a building or monument is located in a shaded place, then the reappearance of sphagnum cannot be avoided. Therefore, you will need to clean it regularly. You can use powders specially designed for this purpose. You can buy them at gardening stores.

Moss sphagnum. Application

"Sponge" has a number of useful properties due to which it is used in various fields. In medicine, the use began in the 11th century. And by the 19th, sphagnum moss began to be sent around the provinces for use as a dressing material. During the war, it was an indispensable tool that had a high hygroscopicity and the ability to quickly and easily absorb pus, blood and other liquids. Some companies still produce sphagnum-gauze tampons, which are additionally impregnated with a solution of boric acid. Moss contains sphagnol, a phenol-like compound. This substance has a bactericidal, antifungal and disinfectant effect. Humic acids, also present in the plant, exhibit antibiotic properties. The use of sphagnum insoles helps to quickly get rid of foot fungus. For skin lesions of an infectious nature, psoriasis and other pathologies, baths with infusion of moss are recommended. For cooking, a small amount of "sponge" is cut, filled with water (70-80 degrees). Sphagnum is used as a filler for diapers, mattresses. It is recommended as underwear for the elderly and seriously ill.

Use in horticulture and animal husbandry

Flower growers use moss when growing young shoots or to save sick specimens. Due to the hygroscopicity of the "sponge" moisture is effectively retained in the substrate. The plant is especially often used in the care of orchids. To grow shoots, moss is scalded, cooled and squeezed. After that, it should be shed with prepared mineral liquid lux, "slightly squeezed again and placed in a plastic bag. It must be kept closed for four days. Every two months, an orchid should be transplanted into freshly prepared soil in this way. When its roots reach five to seven centimeters, the plant is placed in pine bark substrate.Sphagnum moss is also used to protect plants from frost in the backyard.As a hygiene product, sphagnum is used in cages with hamsters, rats, guinea pigs.Such a natural filler perfectly copes with odors, disinfects and absorbs moisture.

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When collecting moss, do not pull it out along with the bottom. For the correct preparation, the top is cut with scissors. In this case, the rest will be able to shoot. The collected moss at home must be doused with boiling water. This is done to eliminate insect larvae and eggs. In this case, the properties of moss are not lost. Dry raw materials in the open air in sunny weather with a slight breeze. Dryers are not recommended. If the preparation is carried out for subsequent use for medicinal purposes, then the raw material is kept in the air until it dries completely. After that, it is broken and put into a dry container. If it is intended to be used for decorative purposes or as a filler for animal cells, then the plant should not be completely dried. In this case, the raw material is stored in the newspaper. You can keep dry moss in the freezer. It is laid there green and taken out if necessary.

Sphagnum moss has unique properties, therefore it is widely used in floriculture. All orchid lovers must use it to prepare the substrate. The external signs of sphagnum moss are light green and needle-shaped leaves, tender to the touch. It has practically no nutrients, but perfectly accumulates moisture and transfers all the nutrients to the plant. But it should be borne in mind that it also transmits harmful substances well; this is the best place for the breeding of midges. Also, do not forget to water it, otherwise it will dry out quickly, and, by the way, water only with distilled water. For these purposes, you can use both live moss and dried. Finding moss is easy, you can collect it yourself in the forest. For those who do not have the time or desire to walk through the forest, we offer to order live moss on our website at a bargain price.

How to use it and in what form is it better to use it? Of course, any moss is best used alive, and it looks more attractive than dried. If you dared to do such an act and collected moss yourself in the forest, then upon arrival home, the moss must be kept in water at 40-45 ° C for about 30 minutes. Next, put it in a bag (preferably plastic) and put it in a cool place. So the moss can be stored for about 4 months. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it without losing its beneficial properties.

Dry moss should be soaked for 12 hours in water, then treated with Decis insecticide and left in water for another two weeks. Then put in the sun and dry well (the insecticide will evaporate), but be sure to dry in the open air. Dry sphagnum holds moisture very well and lets air through. Sphagnum moss can be placed on the bottom of the pot, in the ground, and on top of the bark. It perfectly disinfects and loosens the earth.


Sphagnum moss is suitable in floriculture not only for orchids, but also for other indoor plants. He especially helps out when you leave home for a long time, and there is no one to water your plants. In this case, the sphagnum should be moistened in water and put into flower pots - the moss will not let your flowers dry out, as it gradually releases moisture to the soil.

Sphagnum moss perfectly retains heat, which means that it can be used in winter, covering plants. Since there is little oxygen in the lower part of the sphagnum, it dies off and forms peat, and peat, as you know, is an excellent fertilizer for plants.

Due to its beneficial properties, sphagnum is used not only in floriculture, but also in medicine - for burns, cuts, frostbite, in animal husbandry - as a hive insulation for bees in winter. It has also been increasingly used in the construction of wooden houses as a heater between logs, and in the construction of baths, sphagnum moss occupies one of the important places, due to its excellent hygroscopicity.

To buy - to purchase sphagnum for indoor plants, orchids, just call by phone and specify the required quantity in stock, plus - determine the payment methods.

Review. How sphagnum moss helped me grow indoor plants

True flower lovers are very careful about their plants. They take care of various supplements and vitamins. They try to breed their pets. And there are many different ways to do this. One of the most effective is the use of sphagnum moss. Few people know how moss can benefit houseplants.

Moss sphagnum: application in floriculture

Sphagnum moss grows in the South - in the mountains, in the North - in forests and plains. It is located in swampy places, or rather, it itself forms swamps due to the fact that it forms peat. Moss has a light green tint, reaches a length of 20 cm, pleasant, soft to the touch. Its feature is the root system, or rather its almost complete absence. All roots turn into peat.

Flower growers in sphagnum moss appreciate:

  1. Having good breathability.
  2. The ability to absorb a large amount of excess moisture.
  3. Properties destroying harmful insects and various bacteria, microbes.

Moss is used in floriculture to improve the quality of the land. It allows you to maintain the substrate in optimal humidity, it does not become waterlogged and does not dry out. At the same time, the earth becomes loose, due to which a sufficient amount of oxygen is supplied to the roots of the plants, which is necessary for their well-being. Well, plant cuttings with the addition of moss to the substrate rot in isolated cases. But he also has a small minus - midges breed.

Plant propagation using sphagnum moss can occur in many ways:

1. The division of the stem.

2. Seeds.

3. Cuttings.

The last method is the most popular. Moss can be used both live and dry. You need to know that you need to water the moss only with distilled water.

Florist review

Hello! I once heard about the beneficial properties of sphagnum moss, and that it is used as an additive for plants. I myself love flowers very much, propagate them, acquire new species. So after hearing the positive reviews, I decided to buy it. I can say that he made me happy. To begin with, I rooted my favorite violets in the moss, and lo and behold, after a week they had already put down good roots. Despite the fact that one cutting was not in the best condition, it also gave roots and grew stronger. Then I added sphagnum moss to the soil of the anthuriums, and after a while the flower bloomed, with an incredible and very beautiful flowering. In general, I still have a lot of flowers and therefore I am going to buy some more moss in the near future. Alena, Rostov

The sphagnum moss plant, inconspicuous at first glance, turns out to be very useful. Its scope seems to be limitless. It is used in medicine, construction and even floriculture. Flowers literally come to life, and their owners are delighted with the results of the use of moss.