I have talked about this with a number of growers and they argue that some
of the other types of Sphagnum moss break down faster than the NZ and
Tasmanian types. And therefore needs to be replaced more often.

As to what other properties it might possess I am not sure but reputation is
usually built on something solid to begin with. I guess being cleaner would
be a factor as well.


"Andrew" wrote in message
...
Bolero wrote:

Do you have a picture?

It sounds like sphagnum moss, you could repot it in that if that's what
they
have done in the past.

If it is really overgrowing the pot you might repot into a 5 or 6" pot
otherwise just use the same one.

You didn't mention what type of orchid it is.

Remember that when you repot that you need to remove the old moss away
from
the roots and then use fresh stuff.

Both Tasmanian and New Zealand Sphagnum moss is the best, don't use
anything
less!!!!!


I guess Australian sphagnum has to be good to make up for
the fact that the peat it produces is so awful.

As all the brands of sphagnum I've seen in Australia are
just repackaged Tasmanian Sphagnum I have no experience with
anything that isn't Tasmanian sphagnum. Tasmanian and New
Zealand Sphagnum bogs are largely comprised of the same
species so I can understand that their properties would be
similar and export grade Tas Sphagnum is quite clean, just
like NZ Sphagnum. Now, most orchid growers in the northern
hemisphere go out of their way to source New Zealand
Sphagnum thinking, as Bolero says, it is the best. My
question is why is it the best? From conversations with
American carnivorous plant growers (who I would say use a
lot more sphagnum than orchid growers per capita) some claim
that the sphagnum itself is actually better while others
claim the only difference is that NZ sphagnum is cleaner
(less twigs etc) in which case it is more a reflection of NZ
export quality than anything else. Do orchid growers just
think it's better because it's cleaner (if it's not removed
the extra debris would increase the rate of breakdown) or do
you actually believe the sphagnum itself is what makes is
better.

Andrew