What is the Distinction Between Sphagnum Moss vs Peat Moss?
When procuring within the soil part or searching for soil elements, it’s possible you’ll grow to be confused concerning the distinction between sphagnum vs peat moss. They’re not one and the identical! Let me set the file straight and break down the variations and when to make use of every.
Is Peat Moss the Similar as Sphagnum Moss?
Many individuals will use these phrases interchangeably; I’ve definitely been responsible of this. The confusion is smart since peat moss is commonly additionally known as sphagnum peat moss. However simply that one phrase of peat means very various things.
Each peat moss and sphagnum come from the identical crops. Sphagnum truly refers back to the genus of the crops, the place there are over 380 species of sphagnum. Nonetheless, 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 various sphagnum species. This moss grows on prime of damp soil or a bathroom, 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 offered to us plant lovers. The feel of sphagnum moss could be very mild and fluffy. It nearly appears like a sponge when moist. It might seem as various shades of inexperienced, gray, and brown.
Sphagnum moss can take about 5-6 years to develop, so harvesting should be completed fastidiously to keep away from disrupting the encompassing setting.
What do you employ sphagnum moss for?
Sphagnum moss is often offered 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 enormously expands.
Many individuals use sphagnum moss for various functions. It’s frequent for indoor crops, particularly aroid crops and orchids. It mimics their naturally moist and ethereal rising setting.
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 crops, 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 help with decomposing. It compresses the moss, creating a really mild and extremely absorbent dirt-like soil modification.
Whereas a preferred ingredient for commercially offered soil, there are numerous sustainability points relating to peat. The very sluggish 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 setting and releases tons of saved carbon.
I dive deeper into why peat isn’t a sustainable possibility in my soil recipes publish if you wish to be taught extra about why I don’t use it in my backyard and take a look at some peat-free recipes as a substitute.
What do you employ peat moss for?
Peat moss is generally used for out of doors gardening fairly than indoors. It’s typically combined into store-bought blends for each gardening beds and containers.
Individuals love peat moss as a result of it’s wonderful at retaining moisture. Because it comes from this spongy moss that grows in moist climates, it helps soil that’s dry and in addition lacks airflow.
Peat moss can also be very acidic, so it might probably assist change your soil’s acidity.
Sphagnum Moss vs Peat Moss
So which one is best 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 crops
- 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.
Often Requested Questions About Sphagnum Moss and Peat Moss
Sphagnum moss technically does decompose into peat moss, however it takes a very long time. It’s very proof against rotting because it has plenty of airflow when used for crops and gardening.
Nonetheless, 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 crops 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 crops.
Peat moss is usually combined with soil outdoor to extend water retention and acidity. As a result of peat moss has massive sustainability points, I don’t use it in any respect in my backyard. There are lots of different soil amendments and soil recipes you should use as a substitute.
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