White Sphagnum Moss

Scientific name: Sphagnum spp.
Common names: White sphagnum moss, peat moss (when decomposed)
Plant type: Bryophyte (true moss)

Overview

White sphagnum moss is a living or dried moss widely used in terrariums, horticulture, orchid growing, bonsai, and carnivorous plant culture. It is famous for its exceptional water-holding capacity, natural antimicrobial properties, and ability to create a cool, humid microclimate around plant roots.

Sphagnum is not just decorative—it actively modifies its environment.

Unique Characteristics

• Holds 15–25× its weight in water

• Naturally antibacterial and antifungal

• Acidifies its surroundings (lowers pH)

• Grows continuously from the tip while decomposing at the base

• Plays a major role in forming peat bogs

Appearance

• Color: White, pale green, yellowish, or light tan

• Texture: Soft, spongy, fibrous

• Growth form: Upright strands forming loose mats

Living sphagnum is pale green to white; dried sphagnum is beige to straw-colored.

Types

🌿 Live White Sphagnum Moss

• Actively growing

• Used in high-humidity terrariums and propagation

• Requires light and constant moisture

🌿 Dried (Long-Fiber) Sphagnum Moss

• Dehydrated but reusable

• Common in orchid and reptile setups

• Reactivates when soaked (does not regrow)

Light Requirements (Live Sphagnum)

• Low to medium indirect light

• Avoid strong direct sunlight (burns tips)

• Too little light causes weak, brown growth

Watering & Moisture

• Must stay constantly moist

• Never allow to dry completely

• Use rainwater, RO, or distilled water if possible

  • Tap water minerals accumulate and kill moss

Humidity

• Ideal: 70–100%

• Thrives in:

  • Closed terrariums

  • Propagation boxes

  • Orchid cases

Temperature

• Best range: 15–25°C (59–77°F)

• Tolerates cool conditions better than heat

• High heat + stagnant air = rot

Substrate Needs

• Often grown without soil

• Can be placed:

  • Directly on mesh

  • On lava rock

  • Over damp peat or coir

Excellent as a top layer to retain moisture.

Fertilization

• No fertilizer required

• Highly sensitive to nutrients

• Fertilizers cause algae, browning, and dieback

Propagation (Live Moss)

• Tear into small pieces

• Spread on moist surface

• Provide light + humidity

• Grows from living tips

Uses in Terrariums & Horticulture

• Moisture-retentive substrate layer

• Root wrapping for orchids

• Propagation medium

• Background covering

• Soil conditioner

• Carnivorous plant medium

Common Problems

Safety & Sustainability

⚠️ Environmental note:
Wild harvesting sphagnum damages fragile bog ecosystems. Always use ethically farmed or sustainably harvested sphagnum.

Aquatic Use

🚫 Not suitable for aquariums

• Breaks down underwater

• Releases tannins

• Fouls water chemistry

Summary

White sphagnum moss is:

• One of the best moisture-management materials

• Essential for terrariums and plant propagation

• Long-lasting when cared for properly

• Powerful but easy to misuse (nutrients and minerals are the main killers)