Re: Seeds&moss
Oliver T Massey CFS (massey@hal.fmhi.usf.edu)
Fri, 13 Jan 1995 09:22:35 -0500
> Since several people have been mentioning problems with ferns and their
> cps I thought I'd add a question of my own. I have been trying to grow
> several species of cps from seed after sowing them in peat moss mixed
> with vermiculite. While I had great success producing large quantities of
> seedlings I also managed to grow an overwhelming amount of moss. This
> moss seems to be literally outcompeting my seedlings. The seeds are
> almost 6 months old now but seem extremely frail. What hope is their for
> their salvation? If I drop the humidity I may get rid of the moss but I
> think it will kill these seedlings too. If I pick the moss out by hand
> the whole surface comes up carrying away all the cps in it. Are they
> doomed? Whill they eventually mature enough to transfer? They are
> venus fly traps and 4 species of drosera. Thanks for any help you might
> have!!
> John
> peredur@usa.net
John: In the past I have had real problems with the more compact forms of moss
when attemping to start seedlings. The moss either chokes the seedling out, or
actually grows fast enough to pull the seedling out by the roots as it grows up
and around it. For me, what works better is using dried long fiber sphagnum as
a medium for starting seeds. (Obviously, soak it for a few hours or so before
starting your seeds.) Long fiber sphagnum seems to prevent the other compact
forms of moss from getting started and offers a good open surface for seed
growth.
Tom in Fl
>