Question
QUESTION: Hi Will,

I need education in the use of moss as a growing medium. Can sphagnum and Spanish mosses be interchanged, or does one make a superior medium for certain plants because of differences in water retention properties or other reasons? Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge!

Sierra

ANSWER: Hi Sierra,

Sphagnum moss and Spanish moss have two very different uses with houseplants.

Sphagnum moss is spongy and retains moisture for a fairly long period of time. Because it is very porous, it is less likely than peat moss or soil to cause root rot. That is why sphagnum moss is often use as a potting medium for epiphytic plants, such as Orchids. Epiphytes do not grow in the ground so their roots are not adapted to wet soil. But damp sphagnum moss can provide the combination of moisture and air that epiphytes require around their roots.

Spanish moss is itself an epiphyte. It is in the Bromeliad family and its botanical name is Tillandsia useneoides. Unlike, sphagnum moss, Spanish moss does not have a spongy water retentive capacity. Thus, it cannot be used the way Sphagnum moss is. Spanish moss, like green moss, is mostly used as a decorative top-dressing to cover over the soil in a pot or to disguise double-potting. It provides a nice finishing touch on the appearance of certain plants that have bare lower stems. However, it serves no horticultural purpose. Green moss tends to quickly turn yellow, then brown as it dries out. Spanish moss retains its natural gray color indefinitely and therefore does not have to be replaced as often as green moss.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Will. I am having trouble finding sphagnum moss locally; the closest I can find is reindeer moss. Can reindeer moss be used as a medium for staghorn ferns?

Sierra

Answer
High Sierra,

Reindeer moss is used as a top dressing. I have never heard of it being used as a substitute for sphagnum moss. I don't think it has the water retentive capacity that you need for your staghorn. If you live in a sphagnum moss deprived area, then I suggest that you order it online. I know of no good substitute for sphagnum moss.

~Will