Soil Mixes That Truly Understand Your Plants Not all soil mixes are...
Sphagnum moss is an incredibly versatile, natural growing medium loved by houseplant owners and collectors. It's lightweight, highly absorbent, and perfect for propagation and specialty plant care. This detailed FAQ covers everything you need to know about sphagnum moss — so you can use it confidently and help your plants thrive.
Sphagnum moss is a natural moss harvested from bogs and wetlands. It’s prized for its excellent water retention and airy texture, making it ideal for supporting root health.
Sphagnum moss is the living top layer, harvested intact and used fresh or dried. Peat moss is decomposed, older sphagnum harvested from lower bog layers and used mostly as the base for soil mixes. Learn more about the difference between Sphagnum and Peat.
Orchids, aroids (like Monstera and Philodendron), carnivorous plants, and many cuttings can all benefit from the moisture and aeration sphagnum moss provides.
Yes, there’s many different types. Chilean sphagnum moss, which is usually pressed. New Zealand sphagnum moss, also pressed, which is usually higher quality but a lot less sustainable. There is live Dutch Sphagnum moss, which is loved by many for its combination of quality and sustainability.
We generally recommended Dutch sphagnum moss, this is great for in soil mixes, moss poles or for growing cuttings. If you only need a little bit and want to store the rest for later, then pressed sphagnum is the best option.
It’s commonly used for propagation, as a substrate for orchids and carnivorous plants, in moss poles to support aerial roots and as a lining for hanging baskets. For tips and methods, check out our blog on houseplant propagations.
It can be used, especially for orchids and some aroids, but requires careful watering and monitoring to avoid root rot. It’s also great for propagation due to the combination of consistent moisture & airflow. Learn how to keep your plants healthy by avoiding these common watering errors in our guide.
Yes, it’s one of the best media for rooting cuttings because it maintains high humidity around developing roots.
Loosely wrap it around roots to keep them moist while allowing airflow. Avoid compacting it by pressing it too tightly. Or use it in a mix with orchid bark to create your own orchid mix.
Yes, in moderation, and this is only beneficial for some plants. It helps with moisture retention but should not exceed about 10–20% of the mix to avoid waterlogging. This is great when making your own carnivorous plants, terrarium or orchid mix.
No, this is not recommended as too much water is provided in these setups and not enough ventilation, which can cause the moss to break down and grow mould.
Absolutely! It holds moisture well and supports the aerial roots of your favorite Aroids climbing the pole. To check out which Aroids would prefer a moss pole with sphagnum moss, check out our plant finder.
Yes, it helps maintain humidity and acts as a decorative, functional substrate.
Yes. Many carnivorous plants thrive in pure sphagnum or mixes with sphagnum moss because of its low nutrient content and moisture retention.
Soak it thoroughly in clean, preferably rain or distilled water. Then squeeze gently until it’s moist but not dripping.
It should feel damp to the touch, like a wrung-out sponge. Overly wet moss can suffocate roots. Never let the sphagnum moss stand in a layer of water.
If clean and not broken down, it can be reused. Sterilize it first by boiling or soaking in hot water and drying completely. Read more of our tips here.
Soak it in boiling water and let it cool and dry before reuse to kill any pests or pathogens.
Ensure good airflow, avoid overwatering, and allow the moss surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Typically 1–2 years, depending on use. It breaks down over time and should be replaced once it compacts or loses structure.
Store the moss dry in a sealed container or bag, in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture. You can read more of our tips here.
When it becomes compacted, starts breaking down, or develops a persistent odor or mould.
Yes, in small amounts and with care. Always ensure it's moist to avoid burning. We would however not recommend to do this as it kills the sphagnum moss. So, it will lose it’s green colour and will not grow new moss (regenerate).
Yes, as long as you haven’t treated it with chemicals or it is heavily contaminated by pests.
If your tap water is very hard or treated heavily, it's better to use rain or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.
No, it is safe to use as a medium for growing cuttings, but is not great as a permanent medium. As the sphagnum moss retains a lot of water, it is not nice for all houseplants, especially those requiring a lot of drainage or dry periods between waterings.
Ensure good airflow, avoid overwatering, and allow the moss surface to dry slightly between waterings.
This can be algae growth from excessive moisture and light exposure. Our tips are to reduce watering and improve airflow. If the moss itself is turning green, then this is a sign the moss is alive and regenerating (growing new moss)!
It’s likely decomposing due to staying too wet. Replace it and check your watering habits and ventilation.
If kept too wet and compact, yes. Proper moisture management and airflow are essential for healthy root growth in sphagnum moss.
It is slightly acidic, which most orchids and carnivorous plants prefer! If you are concerned it is always a good idea to measure the pH of the soil mix.
It has almost no nutrients. Plants grown in it depend on regular fertilizing when needed. (Cuttings and propagations do not need any fertiliser).
Yes, but always dilute fertilizers properly since moss has no buffering capacity and roots can burn easily.
When harvested responsibly, yes. Look for certified sustainably harvested moss to support bog ecosystems.
Due to the bird breeding seasons, many protected birds build their nests in the area where the moss is harvested. So during the summer months harvesting is stopped until the bird breeding season is over.
Yes, especially if kept constantly wet. Drying it out periodically can help prevent infestations.
It has mild natural antimicrobial properties but shouldn’t be relied on solely to prevent mould growth. Always water and ventilate your moss properly.
