When buying within the soil part or on the lookout for soil components, you could develop into confused in regards to the distinction between sphagnum vs peat moss. They’re not one and the identical! Let me set the document straight and break down the variations and when to make use of every.
Is Peat Moss the Identical as Sphagnum Moss?
Many individuals will use these phrases interchangeably; I’ve definitely been responsible of this. The confusion is sensible since peat moss is usually additionally referred to as sphagnum peat moss. However simply that one phrase of peat means very various things.
Each peat moss and sphagnum come from the identical vegetation. Sphagnum truly refers back to the genus of the vegetation, the place there are over 380 species of sphagnum. Nevertheless, the distinction between sphagnum moss vs peat moss is the a part of the plant getting used.
Sphagnum moss is the highest layer of moss, whereas peat moss is the layer of decomposed moss that’s been compressed.
Let’s break down every slightly extra!
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss refers to many alternative sphagnum species. This moss grows on prime of damp soil or a lavatory, thriving in moist climates. Most commercially harvested moss comes from Canada, New Zealand, Eire, and Scotland.
The highest layer of the moss is harvested, dried, compressed, after which bagged to be bought to us plant lovers. The feel of sphagnum moss may be very gentle and fluffy. It nearly appears like a sponge when moist. It will possibly seem as various shades of inexperienced, gray, and brown.
Sphagnum moss can take about 5-6 years to develop, so harvesting should be finished fastidiously to keep away from disrupting the encompassing atmosphere.
What do you employ sphagnum moss for?
Sphagnum moss is often bought as both long-fibered or milled. The long-fibre strands is the sphagnum moss in its pure kind, whereas the milled is finely chopped moss. Whenever you hydrate the moss, it drastically expands.
Many individuals use sphagnum moss for various functions. It’s frequent for indoor vegetation, particularly aroid vegetation and orchids. It mimics their naturally moist and ethereal rising atmosphere.
It’s additionally generally used for terrariums, the backing of contemporary wreaths, and to line hanging baskets.
Peat Moss
Peat moss is decayed sphagnum moss and different decaying natural supplies like surrounding vegetation, animals, and bugs. The peat moss is harvested under the sphagnum moss, going to the deeper layers of these boggy environments.
Peat moss accumulates very slowly, taking upwards of hundreds of years to make because of the lack of air to assist with decomposing. It compresses the moss, creating a really gentle and extremely absorbent dirt-like soil modification.
Whereas a well-liked ingredient for commercially bought soil, there are a lot of sustainability points relating to peat. The very gradual regeneration course of makes it extremely unsustainable. The peat moss additionally comes from extremely delicate ecosystems, and the difficult harvesting course of typically disrupts the native atmosphere and releases tons of saved carbon.
I dive deeper into why peat isn’t a sustainable choice in my soil recipes submit if you wish to be taught extra about why I don’t use it in my backyard and check out some peat-free recipes as a substitute.
What do you employ peat moss for?
Peat moss is generally used for out of doors gardening slightly than indoors. It’s typically blended into store-bought blends for each gardening beds and containers.
Individuals love peat moss as a result of it’s glorious at retaining moisture. Because it comes from this spongy moss that grows in moist climates, it helps soil that’s dry and likewise lacks airflow.
Peat moss can be very acidic, so it may possibly assist change your soil’s acidity.
Sphagnum Moss vs Peat Moss
So which one is healthier for you? Let me break down the principle positives and negatives of sphagnum moss vs peat moss.
Sphagnum Moss
Impartial pH
Wonderful water retention (spongy)
Nice for seed-starting and aroid vegetation
A number of airflow
Good for propagating
Doesn’t include vital vitamins. Have to be mixed with a fabric like leca.
Peat Moss
Cheap backyard modification
Acidic pH. It might require lime for neutralizing.
Excessive in tannins
Wonderful water retention
Main sustainability points
Wants rehydration or it makes soil stiff when dry.
Regularly Requested Questions About Sphagnum Moss and Peat Moss
Sphagnum moss technically does decompose into peat moss, but it surely takes a very long time. It’s very proof against rotting because it has a lot of airflow when used for vegetation and gardening.
Nevertheless, sphagnum moss does soak as much as 20x its water weight. When utilizing it for the primary time, hydrate it and let it sit for 15ish minutes. Then, squeeze out any extra water and keep away from packing it too tightly.
These vegetation have very totally different functions. Sphagnum moss is nice for including water and airflow to roots however doesn’t present vitamins. Individuals use it for terrariums, hanging baskets, wreaths, propagating, and aroid vegetation.
Peat moss is often blended with soil open air to extend water retention and acidity. As a result of peat moss has giant sustainability points, I don’t use it in any respect in my backyard. There are numerous different soil amendments and soil recipes you should utilize as a substitute.
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A metropolis woman who realized to backyard and it modified all the pieces. Creator, artist, Grasp Gardener. Higher dwelling by way of vegetation.
