At first glance, humble green moss and majestic orchids couldn’t look more different. But don’t let looks fool you—these two are a match made in heaven! If you’re looking to level up your orchid game, moss is pretty much your secret weapon.
Moss and Orchids
Different types of moss, especially the fan-favorite Sphagnum moss, aren’t just pretty accents for your orchids; they’re actually essential for healthy growth. Moss brings some serious superpowers to your gardening toolkit, making it perfect for:
- Mixing into your orchid potting medium
- Decoratively mounting orchids to wood
- Helping baby orchid “pups” grow their first roots
Using Moss in Your Orchid Mix
Moss is a champion at holding onto moisture, which is why it’s a must-have in your substrate. Most high-quality orchid mixes you find at the garden center already come with a good amount of moss tucked between the bark chips. In fact, some orchid enthusiasts swear by ditching the bark entirely and growing their plants in 100% moss!
Mounting Orchids with Moss
If you want that stunning, natural look, moss is the key to mounting orchids. Sphagnum moss is the gold standard here. If you want to try mounting an orchid to a branch, here’s a quick guide:
- Dampen the moss and place it on your chosen branch. You can use a fine hairnet to keep it snugly in place.
- Position your orchid so its aerial roots are resting right on that mossy bed.
- Secure the plant using a strip of nylon stocking—it’s gentle on the plant but provides a nice, firm hold.
Moss for Orchid “Kindels” (Keikis)
When your orchid starts producing “kindels” (those cute little baby plantlets, also known as keikis), moss is a lifesaver. If the baby plant is still attached to the mother plant but hasn’t grown roots yet, a little moss can work wonders.
Just wrap a bit of damp moss around the base of the baby plantlet and give it a quick mist every day. This creates the perfect humid environment to encourage those first roots to sprout while keeping the little guy hydrated.
Where to Get Sphagnum Moss
One quick heads-up: Sphagnum moss is actually protected in the wild because it’s becoming increasingly rare. Please avoid harvesting it from the woods, as we want to keep our natural ecosystems healthy! The good news is that you can find sustainably sourced Sphagnum moss at almost any garden center or online shop for a great price.
