Question

Big tray with sphagnum   Hi Jeff,

I have a surplus off life sphagnum moss which I can磘 use as media, either as a top dressing... I am lucky, I know :-D

Does it make sense to use it in my big trays? Since the window sill is not even I though it could help maintaining a more equal water level for all pots since the upper ones will sit in water less long as the down-part ones...you know what I mean!

Also was I thinking I could use the "mossy tray" to sow some drosera seeds :-)  

Last but not least, should I add a peat moss layer under the sphagnum, or I can just use it "pure"?

Thanks a tons Jeff, highly appreciate it!

Cheers,

JP

Answer
Hi JP,

Live Sphagnum makes an excellent germinating medium for Drosera rotundifolia and other sundews.  Chopped live sphagnum is great for germinating other seeds such as Sarracenia.

The moss in the water tray I predict will be more trouble than it's worth over time.  It can get mold in it and just get nasty.  Better to just grow your moss in separate containers.  A layer of peat underneath it does help.  If the windowsill isn't level (Fire that contractor! :) just use wood shims to level trays.  We do that all the time in the greenhouse.

If you are getting lots of sphagnum sell bags of it.  I'm sure other cp growers or orchid growers would love to have some.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com