Peat moss and sphagnum moss are products from a class of bryophytes (mosses) called Sphagnopsida. Pro Tip: If you are looking forward to growing acid-loving plants., peat moss is an excellent medium!Â. Long fibered sphagnum is on the left, and sphagnum peat moss is on the right (the peat is often darker than shown and will turn dark dark brown with water added...very dirty looking). You have entered an incorrect email address! This material is very absorbent, advises Brandeis University. Sphagnum peat moss is … Sphagnum Peat Moss: Sphagnum Moss Dan Gambut Lumut Yang Sama Dalam satu bentuk atau lain, sebagian besar pemilik tanaman telah ditangani akan sphagnum moss di beberapa titik. And hence the name peat moss. Usually, the living sphagnum moss is harvested, then the bog is drained and the dead/decayed peat moss beneath is harvested. It is typically sold in bags or bundles. Peat is the product created from organic matters that submerged into the bogs. Though they are two different parts of the same plant, their usages are vastly different. Harvested from surface bogs and wetlands while it is alive. Peat, on the other hand, has been ground up and resembles light-weight brown soil. Whereas sphagnum moss has a neutral pH, peat moss is very acidic and is high in tannins. The difference between peat moss and the compost gardeners make in their backyard is that peat moss is composed mostly of moss, and the decomposition happens without the presence of air, slowing the rate of decomposition. Sphagnum peat moss is the dead material underneath the living part of the peat bog. Sphagnum peat moss and peat moss come from the same plant, but sphagnum moss is made of the dried plant, which may be milled to shorten the fibers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sphagnum Moss Vs Sphagnum Peat Moss As I mentioned before orchid moss is the high-grade sphagnum moss also simply known as sphagnum moss. The difference between these, according to Repot Me, is that sphagnum refers to moss gathered while still alive on the top of the bog. • Sphagnum is the living form, whereas pear moss is … It thrives in New Zealand and other wet climates. Peat moss refers to the product gardeners purchase in bales or large bags for use as a soil amendment. Some potting soils contain only peat moss and vermiculite or perlite. However, they’re quite different. Both the substance often called sphagnum peat moss and that which is commonly called peat moss grow in bogs and are the same plant. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Once the bale is opened the loose peat doubles in volume. Significance Moreover, peat moss forms from the decomposition of sphagnum moss, while over 370 species of sphagnum moss take part in the formation of peat moss. Sphagnum moss and sphagnum peat moss, however, are two distinctly different materials. Sphagnum peat moss refers to the partially decomposed remains of sphagnum moss. Peat is a less expensive amendment in potting and garden soils. Sphagnum moss is comprised of long, fibrous strands of plant material, and is often used by florists to line the insides of wire baskets, or as a decorative filler for potted plant compositions. Community Profile of Sphagnum-dominated Peatlands in Western Washington Chapter Two 2 Mountain physiographic province is lower than that of the Sphagnum-dominated peatlands in the Puget Sound province (see Table 2-1). It also finds its uses in line baskets and as a potting soil amendment. Peat is soil-like organic matter that is acidic in pH, retains moisture and is a dark red-brown to chocolate brown in color. There are two types of sphagnum moss available–long-fiber moss, which is a natural form and milled moss, same as long-fiber, but cut finely. The difference between these, according to Repot Me, is that sphagnum refers to moss gathered while still alive on the top of the bog. Seventeen per cent of the Sphagnum-dominated peatlands in this western Washington inventory are in this physiographic province (see Table 2.2). Peat Moss. It can take centuries to form. Cooke says sphagnum-moss bogs “are very rare and most in our state are found in Snohomish and King County. "Raw sphagnum peat moss is graded using the Von Post scale" For example, an H1 grade raw peat moss is completely undecomposed peat which, when squeezed, releases almost clear water. Peat moss also has a mixture of various plants, insects and twigs. • Dead sphagnum moss decomposes and forms peat moss. There mainly are 2 types of moss – sphagnum moss and sphagnum peat moss. Even its reserves grow at a rate of a mere millimeter every year. Peat moss is known to hold water and is well aerated, but it does also have a few traits which gardeners need to consider … This quality makes it perfect as a seed-starter medium. While sphagnum moss is the living top layer of a sphagnum bog, sphagnum peat moss is dead residue beneath this live layer. This, dead and layered, compact form of moss is what we know as peat moss. Sphagnum moss is the living part of the peat bog, and it’s a product that you won’t find at most nurseries, unless they sell orchids or other decorative houseplants. Sphagnum moss often is seen as a liner for hanging baskets. It is a soft and pliable part of the plant that forms a dense, water-retentive clump. Note: Do bear in mind that Peat moss is a non-renewable resource, as compared to the sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss is left intact as dried moss. Peat is also shaped and pressed into small pots as biodegradable seed-starting pots that can be planted directly in the ground when the seedling emerges. It takes several millennia for peat moss to form, and peat bogs gain less than a millimete… When it is wet, its color changes to light green but then dries to gray or silvery green. H4 sphagnum peat moss is slightly decomposed which, when squeezed, releases very muddy dark water. Thus, this is the main difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss. Peat can be formed from different materials, but a large percentage of the peat harvested is composed of sphagnum moss. The biological process that undergoes to form it takes thousands of years. It is harvested while it is alive and then dried for commercial use. Likewise, if the dried sphagnum is allowed to further decay and become compacted, it becomes sphagnum peat. Sphagnum moss is used primarily in crafts and packing. Re: Air layering sphagnum moss vs sphagnum peat moss and perlite « Reply #3 on: December 08, 2013, 08:39:33 PM » Water the ball of moss, squeeze out the water, and wrap it good and tight in plastic, like one of the grocery plastic (single use) haha bags that kill dolphins and then wrap in foil with the unshiny side outside. Pada musim semi, ketika saatnya untuk menanam kebun, bal atau kantong sphagnum gambut lumut terbang dari rak-rak pusat taman. This moss grows on tops of such wetlands, and is harvested first, then the peat below. • Sphagnums are found at the top of the bog while peat mosses are found at the bottom of the bog. Used in soil mixes, areas where seed is going to be planted to retain moisture. Sometimes, dried sphagnum moss is ground and added to general-purpose soil mixes to help aerate the soil and hold onto moisture, much like its more degraded form, known as peat moss. Plant remains are easily identifiable. The differences are important for any gardener to learn, especially if you plan on ever using these organic materials in your garden. Sphagnum moss is the living plant that grows on top of the bog. There is also another organic matter, like insects, animals, and other plants, that have sunk to the bottom of the bog and mixed in with the old sphagnum moss. People often confuse Peat moss with sphagnum moss, as various stores sell it as “ sphagnum peat moss.” Peat moss is a form of sphagnum moss that has died and then over-grown by moss thousands of times, forming a bog. Sphagnum is used to line wire hanging baskets and as a potting medium for orchards. Donnan.com recommends wearing gloves when handling the moss in case it contains the pathogenic fungus Sporotrichosis, as occasionally occurs. Sphagnum Moss vs. Sphagnum Peat Moss. Peat moss, often listed as Sphagnum peat moss, is water-logged, decayed, sphagnum moss that has sunk to the bottom of the bog. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are real differences between the two. 7 Herbs You Can Grow In Water Indoors All Year Round, 18 Beautiful DIY Plant Gift Ideas for Christmas, 13 Statement Hotel Plants You Can Grow in Your Home, 34 Poisonous Houseplants for Dogs | Plants Toxic to Dogs, Excellent growing medium, as it is soft and pliable, Purest form of moss with no other plant material included. It is usually sold in plastic bags. Peat moss is dead moss that has sunk below the living sphagnum--peat moss may also contain other dead plants and organisms that have drifted to the bottom of the bog. Store either kind of peat moss before use in a dry area away from any open flames. Peat moss is used as a potting medium--it is in most commercial potting soils to a greater or lesser degree. Peat moss is not just made up of decayed sphagnum moss, though. Regarding what you have, some bags of sphagnum peat don't specify "peat" - look at the photo below. It is rich in water content, which is the main requirement for the process of bog formation. This article is going to guide you in-depth on Sphagnum Moss vs Peat Moss! • Sphagnum mosses are green in color, whereas peat mosses are dark brown in color. Sphagnum is a genus of approximately 380 accepted species of mosses, commonly known as " peat moss " though they are different as peat moss has a more acidic pH level. Often confused as the same growing material, but these both are not! On the other hand, sphagnum peat moss is dead moss that dived in the bog ground. Both peat moss and sphagnum moss originate from the same plant. Peat Vs. Peat Moss Vs. Sphagnum Moss. Peat moss that is not labeled sphagnum moss is made of the dead layers of moss that live moss grows on top of. When actively growing, sphagnum does look like a moss and when dried retains a green to brown color. In a well-circulated piece (among peat lovers anyway) that used CSPMA’s figures, Jeff Ball at Garden Rant made a case that peat … Peat moss is sold in compressed bales and, like milled sphagnum moss, it is used in potting and garden soils. Sphagnum moss has a neutral pH. Some are mildly poisonous, and some are fatal. You really should use sphagnum peat moss. Sphagnum moss is found in peat bogs across northern Europe, Canada and North America. Well, kind of. While peat moss and sphagnum moss come from the same plant, they represent different points in its life cycle. Is compacted naturally and sold in compressed, bale form, Has a mixture of other plant materials, dead insects and moss. It is very acidic and has a high content of tannins as well. People commonly call peat as peat moss even though they are somewhat different. Sphagnum is used to line wire hanging baskets and as a potting medium for orchards. This is one reason it is useful for hanging baskets. Shop undefined 3-cu ft Organic Peat Moss Moisture Control in the Soil Amendments department at Lowe's.com. Peat moss refers to a large absorbent moss formed by slowly decaying deposits, while sphagnum moss refers to a moss that grows in dense masses on boggy ground. Most common is peat from the sphagnum moss plant. Both the substance often called sphagnum peat moss and that which is commonly called peat moss grow in bogs and are the same plant. Don't confuse the peat from dead plants with the actual sphagnum moss from living plants. It is carefully harvested to ensure regeneration of bogs, a cycle which typically takes 5-6 years. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. What are the uses and Benefits of peat moss in your garden. It is mostly mined in Canada and supplied in America.Â. It is usually light tan or brown and maintains its fluffy, fibrous strand appearance. People often confuse Peat moss with sphagnum moss, as various stores sell it as “sphagnum peat moss.” Peat moss is a form of sphagnum moss that has died and then over-grown by moss thousands of times, forming a bog. Sphagnum moss is a plant that grows on the surface of soil or a swamp. An excellent medium as a seed starter for growing orchids, lining baskets, and a growth material in potting soil. Today we will look into What is Sphagnum Peat Moss in gardening. … Peat Moss Vs. Sphagnum Moss. Peat moss is acidic and therefore is used as a soil-amendment for acid-loving plants such as azaleas. Sphagnum peat moss and peat moss are both used in the gardening industry. Peat moss, on the other hand, is the layer of decaying, water-saturated sphagnum moss that has sunk below the surface. There are poisonous houseplants for dogs and cats. All Rights Reserved. Peat moss is dead moss that has sunk below the living sphagnum--peat moss may also contain other dead plants and organisms that have drifted to the bottom of the bog. Spanish moss resembles a stringy lichen or fungus. The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, in it’s “Industry Social Responsibility Report” from 2014 makes an argument that peat is a resource they’re protecting. Sphagnum peat moss and peat moss are both used in the gardening industry. such sphagnum moss is combined with other plants and dead animals. CANADIAN PEAT: Canadian sphagnum peat is compressed and sold in 3.8 cubic ft. bales. Peat moss is dead fibrous material that forms when mosses and other living material decompose in peat bogs. Sphagnum peat moss was once used as a wound dressing to staunch bleeding and prevent sepsis, according to Plants For A Future, and can also be used as natural, biodegradable packing material. Peat moss is an all natural and organic product that makes a great soil amendment or can be used for creating your own potting mixes. Is sphagnum moss the same as peat moss? It is flammable. 20 DIY Indoor Plant Shelves Ideas that You’d Definitely Want! Peat moss is used as a potting medium--it is in most commercial potting soils to a greater or lesser degree. This, dead and layered, compact form of moss is what we know as peat moss. The difference between these, according to Repot Me, is that sphagnum refers to moss gathered while still alive on the top of the bog.