Sybotanica Live Sphagnum Moss, 5L

For cuttings that rot in a glass of water or dry out in soil, orchids that go thirsty between waterings, and roots that need to stay damp without drowning. Live sphagnum moss holds around twenty times its weight in water and lets it go slowly, while its open, springy strands keep air around the roots. It comes damp and ready to use, with no soaking. Hand-harvested on a family-run moss farm in the Netherlands. 5L resealable bag.

This moss is grown and gathered on one of the last sphagnum farms in the Netherlands, cut by hand from a small boat, and left alone through the summer while protected birds nest there. It arrives much as it was picked, in long strands of 5–15cm, still damp and alive. Kept bright and moist, it may even green up and carry on growing.

What it's good for

• Rooting cuttings: moisten a container of moss and push the cuttings in. It cradles soft stems and keeps them evenly damp, which suits aroids and anything fragile.
• Air layering: wrap damp moss around a node or aerial root, cover it with cling film, and let roots form while the stem is still on the plant.
• Orchids: blend 10–30% moss into an orchid bark mix with a little perlite, so the roots stay moist for longer without losing airflow.
• Terrariums: lay it over or between the layers to hold humidity and slow evaporation from the surface.
• Kokedama: wrap it around the root ball and tie it with twine. It binds well and holds its shape.
• Carnivorous plants and other moisture-loving roots that still need air.

Keeping it fresh

Store the bag somewhere bright but out of direct sun, and open it now and then for air. Keep the moss slightly damp: let it dry out completely and it won't last as long, but keep it soaking wet and it can rot. Because it's a natural, unprocessed product, you may find the odd twig or small creature in the bag. That's simply where it came from.

At a glance

Not safe for pets or children if eaten. Keep it out of reach.