Easy: put the dried sphagnum in a container that can tolerate temps of
about 200oF. Pour simmering (or boiling) water over the mass, and allow
to sit for several hours. Squeeze out excess water.
re: Sporotrichosis
Though, like all fungal diseases, cures take awhile, Sporotrichosis is
really quite rare. I've worked with commercial dried sphagnum for more
than 20 years, been in sphagnum bogs at least a dozen times a year for
the past 10 years... and so far, so good! :-) (and I'm one of those
lucky souls who seem to catch anything and everything!)
Kay Klier Biology Dept UNI