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I have never had any problem growing any orchids in sphagnum
from Phals to Cochleanthes to Oncidium (and the hybrids) to Nf falcata. I don’t
get any “very, very acidic” reaction from the moss. Maybe my plants
are just used to the rather acid water around here I always use on them. When
searching online, there are a number of articles that suggest sphagnum’s
contribution to the acidity of the bog is rather minimal and that it actually
buffers the acidity. Soil, acid rain, and the decomposing peat may be more
responsible for the acidity is what some suggest. I for one have had no trouble
with it except that it breaks down and compacts too fast for general use. And
it’s very expensive. I use it mostly in clay pots, small wooden baskets
(or lining in larger ones), and mounting pads. I soak the moss in excess water
over night; change the water once; then press it on an inclined slab with a
rolling pin to squeeze out a lot of the water before using it. The second rinse
water is only mildly acidic. If you think there is excess acid in the moss, I
imagine a little lime added to the first soak should help. Someone else here
could probably recommend a more effective buffer. Oh yeah, I do use some sponge
rock mixed with the moss for pot mix which may help. Just an after thought. |
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