How to use sphagnum moss for flowers
Sphagnum moss for flowers is a natural moisturizer that can quickly absorb and slowly release moisture. It improves the properties of the flower primer, making it looser and more breathable. In floriculture, it is used for growing seeds, rooting leaves and young shoots, maintaining the moisture level of decorative leafy plants. Sphagnum has many beneficial properties that make it easier to care for whimsical plants.
Sphagnum does not have a developed root system, although it is a perennial plant. It reproduces by spores and is a thin, branching stem. As it grows, the lower part of the plant gradually dies off, and the upper part develops.
Beneficial features
For indoor plants, sphagnum is considered useful for three reasons:
- It has natural antibacterial properties. The element sphagnol, which is part of it, contributes to the disinfection of the soil. The soil, which includes sphagnum, is less susceptible to mold and fungal diseases.
- It absorbs water well. Dry sphagnum is capable of absorbing moisture 20 times its own weight.
- Provides air access to the root system.
How to use moss to care for orchids
Plant orchids they are not recommended for ordinary soil, a breathable, moist substrate is better suited for them. Florists mix pine bark with coconut fiber and sphagnum. Such a composition provides the plant with good growth, protects the roots from decay and drying out.
In summer, sphagnum sprouts are wrapped around the aerial roots of orchids to increase the humidity level.
For rooting cuttings and leaves
To root leaves of capricious Saintpaulia or Gloxinia, cuttings of Pelargonium or Dracaena use wet sphagnum. To do this, it is sprayed if it is fresh, or it is soaked for several hours in clean water if it is in a dried state. After it is placed on the bottom of the glass (with a layer of up to 2 cm), a cut of a cutting or leaf is placed in the sphagnum. After a few days, the seedling takes root. Sphagnum maintains moisture and prevents the young plant from rotting.
During rooting, it is necessary to monitor the moisture level of the moss, if necessary, moisten it.
To maintain air humidity
In the summer, sphagnum helps maintain the humidity level of indoor flowers. It is laid out in a pallet and moistened. The water gradually evaporates and settles on the leaves. If it is necessary to maintain soil moisture for 7 to 10 days (during vacation or business trip), the moistened sphagnum is placed on the surface of the soil around the trunk of the plant.
Sphagnum moss for flowers helps to improve the quality of plant care, revive moisture-loving flowers, and root seedlings. For flower care, you can use sphagnum collected in the forest or purchased.