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Sphagnum moss top dressing. Live or dead? Will the moss survive in Arizona

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 3:51 am
by albertoburrito
Hello, I am trying to revive some sphagnum moss. Does the moss have to be live or dead, and is there a difference between live and dead moss? Another thing, I am trying to use it to keep my vfts cooler in az, but i heard the moss can burn. Also, are there any other things i should worry about?

Re: Sphagnum moss top dressing. Live or dead? Will the moss survive in Arizona

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:07 am
by CPhunter101
Reviving sphagnum moss is quite difficult, if not impossible. You'd have to be quite lucky to find dried moss that can grow. Buying a gallon/quart of live moss on ebay/etsy is much easier.
I live in Calfornia where the temperature can spike into the 90s but I can still grow healthy live sphagnum. Just make sure the moss is very, very shaded.
If you're trying to keep flytraps cooler, try shading your flytraps or putting small ice cubes (made of purified water) in their water trays.
I hope this helps.

Re: Sphagnum moss top dressing. Live or dead? Will the moss survive in Arizona

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 5:12 am
by albertoburrito
Thanks! But is it ok to put a layer of dead moss on top just to hold in a little moisture?

Re: Sphagnum moss top dressing. Live or dead? Will the moss survive in Arizona

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 5:19 am
by CPhunter101
Sure! Dead sphagnum moss has excellent moisture retention.
If it looks nice, you can use it as topdressing but just make sure not to suffocate flytraps in it! ;)