Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 15:53:26 -0500 From: BREWER__CHARLES@ecomail.damneck.navy.mil To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg18$foo@default> Subject: re: sphagnum moss
John,
In regards to sphagnum moss. It sounds as though you are trying to
hard to keep it alive. All the sphagnum moss I have seen growing
outside usually grows on pond banks or in water that is constantly
moving. Like vfts, I grow my moss on peat/sand mix or just plain dead
moss, that is well drained and very moist. I also grow the moss out
side all year long. During the colder part of the winter, the moss
will freeze hard as a rock. In some cases, it will stay this way for
several days even a week or two, without and harm. I find that cold
weather does not impacted it at all. If anything it's necessary.
During the growing season (spring/summer/fall) I grow my moss in large
container with high sides. These containers are located in a semi-sunny
location, meaning that the moss gets morning and afternoon sun only.
The growing container had sides which are approx 1 foot high. This
helps keeps the wind from drying out the moss as well as holding in the
required humidity. I also have drain holes located in the bottom of the
container. This allows the rain water to slowly drain out leaving the
moss plenty moist, but not swimming in the same water day after day. It
takes about a full day or two for the water to drain out after a good
size rain. The drain holes are important in allowing the moss to
constantly have a continues supply of fresh rain water running through
it.
I process my moss by cutting off and using the growing points/heads
only. This assures me of always having plenty of moss. I hope this info
helps you out.
Charles Brewer
Va. Beach, Va.
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