TheNaturePlanet

Many flower enthusiasts, when first growing Phalaenopsis, can't help but ask: "What exactly is this sphagnum moss made of? How long can it hold water after one watering when used to grow Phalaenopsis?"

In fact, sphagnum moss is derived from a type of moss plant called Sphagnum! This Sphagnum is particularly remarkable, thriving in damp swamps and forests, spreading like a small carpet on the ground. It has (superb) water absorption capacity, similar to a natural absorbent cotton. During collection, Sphagnum is harvested, then processed through steps like washing, disinfection, and drying, eventually becoming the sphagnum moss we use for gardening.

Although sphagnum moss looks ordinary, it serves significant purposes! As a natural plant product, it is clean and eco-friendly, less likely to compact like soil, and doesn't attract pests. Moreover, its soft texture is especially suitable for epiphytic plants like Phalaenopsis, allowing their roots to settle comfortably.

So, how effective is sphagnum moss in water retention for Phalaenopsis, and how long does one watering last? To put it this way, sphagnum moss's water retention ability is unmatched—it's (definitely) a "water reservoir in the plant kingdom"! If dry sphagnum moss is soaked in water, it quickly swells up, absorbing several times its own weight in water.

However, there's no standard answer to how long one watering can last, as it depends on multiple factors. For example, environmental temperature and ventilation play a role. If the heating is on at home and the air is dry, water may evaporate quickly, and the sphagnum moss might dry out in four to five days. In cooler, less ventilated conditions, the sphagnum moss can stay moist for a week or even longer.

The Phalaenopsis's own condition also matters. During the flowering period, the plant has higher water requirements, so the sphagnum moss dries faster; during dormancy, with lower water needs, the sphagnum moss dries more slowly. Additionally, the size and material of the flowerpot affect water retention. Smaller pots or plastic pots with good air permeability disperse water faster, while larger pots or ceramic pots retain moisture longer.

Generally, when touching the sphagnum moss, if the surface is dry but the inside still feels slightly moist, it means no immediate watering is needed. If the entire sphagnum moss becomes light and dry, it's time to hydrate. If you're unsure, here's a tip: insert a clean bamboo stick into the pot, wait a few minutes, and if there's no moisture on the stick, water immediately!

Sphagnum moss indeed excels in water retention for Phalaenopsis, but when (growing plants), we shouldn't just focus on water retention time—we must adjust the watering frequency flexibly based on actual conditions. Master these tips, and before long, your Phalaenopsis will bloom abundantly too.