What is sphagnum in biology. Sphagnum in indoor floriculture
Sphagnum, peat moss (Sphagnum L.) from the Sphagnum family (Sphagnaceae). Sphagnum mosses (see photo) are widespread in swampy areas of the entire north of Russia.
They usually form dense or loose tufts of various colors (from greenish-yellow to purple) over moss hummocky swamps and marshy forests. Ledum and blueberries (gonobobel), cranberries and cloudberries, cotton grass and princesses, and stunted birches and pines - ordinary plants such sphagnum bogs. We have several dozen different types of sphagium; only in the European part of Russia there are more than 40 of them.
These mosses, thanks to their biological features(unlimited growth due to the lack of a root system, large suction capacity and aseptic properties, often create huge deposits of peat, which has a large economic importance. Well decomposed sphagnum peat various types its processing (solid peat, milling peat chips, peat briquettes, peat gases), is a high-quality fuel material.
Sphagnum application.
Little decomposed sphagnum peat finds application in a number of branches of our economy and industry, for example: agriculture like bedding for livestock peat fertilizer, peat-melyaes fodder for livestock, packaging and preservative material for transportation and storage of foodstuffs and fruits (peat powder); in construction as an insulating building material (peat, ophagnite, isoplast, peat-plywood) for laying voids in walls or for filling them; in sanitation as a disinfectant and odor-destroying backfill in powder form Wastewater and cesspools; in medicine (in surgery) - when dressing wounds in the form of gauze bags made of compressed or dry sphagnum instead of cotton wool or lignin: in paper production as a raw material for the manufacture of coarse grades, paper (newsprint, wrapping, wallpaper, cardboard); finally, in the chemical industry - for the preparation of paints, tannins, alcohol, etc.
During the Great Patriotic War received great importance the use of sphagnum in surgery as a good absorbent dressing for purulent wounds The question of sphagnum as a dressing is very old, already in the 11th century. the British began to use sphagnum for this purpose, then later it spread widely throughout Western Europe.
In the 19th century it was already a well-known remedy: in the Napoleonic wars, sphagnum served as a dressing in the fleet; in the Franco-German war of 1870-1871. sphagnum was used as a standard dressing; during Russo-Japanese War the Japanese used sphagnum bandages to provide first aid to the wounded, and many wounds dressed with sphagnum remained in a completely satisfactory condition without any dressing for 10 days while the wounded were being transported from Manchuria to Japan. In the imperialist war of 1914-1918. sphagnum began to be widely used by the British, and then it quickly spread to France, Belgium, Egypt, Canada, the USA and other countries.
After the 80s of the XIX century. Russian surgeons also began to use sphagnum; during the imperialist and civil wars some of our doctors also used sphagnum and spoke well of it. AT recent times preparation of sphagnum for surgical purposes and its use in hospitals have become very widespread and universally recognized. The practice of using sphagnum for dressings has shown that it is much better than many other dressings, especially in the treatment of purulent wounds.
In an unsterilized form, the suitability of peat moss is 12.5 times higher than cotton gray wool, 4 times higher than absorbent cotton and even exceeds the suitability of a Greek sponge; sterilized at 115°, sphagnum has 9.5 times more suitability than gray cotton wool, more than 3 times than hygroscopic cotton wool, and only slightly less suitability than Greek sponge.
Collection and drying of sphagnum.
It is best to collect sphagnum in summer and dry autumn, from May to September, but if absolutely necessary, it can be collected at any other time of the year, even in winter, taking moss out from under the ice and snow. In essence, all types of sphagnum moss are suitable for collection; it is only necessary to choose long-bearded, long-stalked moss, at least 7 cm long, since short-stalked moss gives a product Low quality. Therefore, it is necessary to take a thick carpet of sphagnum pillows as deep as possible, capturing in any case the entire living, green part of the turf until it turns into a reddish-felt layer.
At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the dying lower layers of sphagnum with fallen leaves are not very suitable for dressing purposes, and therefore the reddish, dying parts of mosses should not fall into the collected material. The very collection of sphagnum consists in simply pulling out the moss with your hands or with a rake with curved teeth. Immediately after extracting the moss, the water in it must be squeezed out. Then the squeezed-out moss is put into baskets, heads in one direction, and is cleaned of random impurities (needles, twigs, leaves, stems of marsh plants, etc.).
The collected and cleaned moss is dried in the sun, in the wind or on a Russian stove at a temperature of 50-60 °. The degree of drying is determined by eye by the whitening of the green parts of the sphagnum; the practice of harvesting showed that out of 9-11 parts of fresh wet moss 1 part dry is obtained. The humidity of the dried moss should be about 25-30%. Further drying entails fragility of the moss and the formation of dust, which is not allowed, and at a humidity above 40%, the moss becomes moldy during long storage, and freezes during frost.
After drying, sphagnum is best harvested in bales like peat bales, with light pressing them to a size of 100 x 60 x 50 cm and a weight of 70-80 kg. The pile is tied along the long sides with slats tied with wire. Such boiling is very convenient during transport and warns against heavy pollution moss on the road.
It is best to store bales of sphagnum in a shed or under a shed to prevent it from being saturated with water from rain and snow * which can cause moss to rot and mold. Under such conditions, the presence of winter cold ensures the preservation of slightly dry moss until spring. Sphagnum unused during the year is subject to replacement next summer with a new one, which is easily done in view of the completely unlimited reserves of sphagnum in Russia.
Sphagnum photo.
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Olga Aleinikova 03/24/2014 | 16985
Sphagnum moss is known to flower growers for being an ideal assistant in rooting cuttings. In fact, it is a unique plant with incredible properties.
Although sphagnum is often referred to as "white moss", in reality it is not. In relatively dry areas of raised bogs, rusty-brown, red or pink and even purple-red specimens can be found. It depends on the type of moss. In more humid places, light green or slightly brownish species usually live.
What is sphagnum?
Sphagnum is a perennial spore plant. It has no roots. Each unit is a thin, constantly branching stalk, Bottom part which is gradually dying off. The branches and stem are covered with small scaly leaves arranged in a spiral. Leaves are made up of two types of cells. Some of them are small, narrow-tubular, green, with a solid shell. They carry out photosynthesis.
Others are much larger, hollow and colorless. Such cells are called hyaline. They have pores through which, in dry weather, air penetrates into them, making the color of the plant very light, almost white. During wet periods, water is sucked in through the same pores. It is believed that sphagnum mosses able to absorb water about 20 times their own weight! Hence the Greek name for moss "sphagnos" - a sponge.
How to use?
It is this property of sphagnum that first of all attracts the attention of flower growers. Chopped moss added to the substrate not only loosens the soil, gives it the necessary structure, but also increases its moisture capacity. It takes excess water immediately after watering, and then gives it to the roots as needed. But it must be borne in mind that the addition of sphagnum to the soil significantly increases its acidity. Therefore, moss should not be taken more than 10% of the total volume of the mixture.
With the help of sphagnum, you can maintain high humidity and around the crown of the plant. To do this, it is enough to put moss around the pot and moisten it periodically. But it is not necessary to constantly keep it on the surface of the soil. This can lead to waterlogging and root death. As an exception, this technique can be used when leaving on vacation for 7-8 days.
Antiseptic properties
Next important property sphagnum is that it contains antiseptics. First of all, this sphagnol- a substance with an anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to this, as well as the ability to acidify everything around it, sphagnum creates an environment in the swamps in which dead plants remain for centuries without rotting.
This quality of moss is also important for flower growers. The bactericidal properties and antiseptic effect of sphagnum can significantly increase the likelihood of rooting of many plants. Only succulents cannot be rooted in it. Excellent results are obtained by the use of sphagnum when propagated by the method air layers. When transplanting a rooted cutting into the soil, it is useful to leave some moss on the roots in which they grew.
moss harvesting
You can harvest sphagnum moss at any time of the year, but most often it is done in the fall, which makes it possible to keep it alive (by freezing) until the beginning of spring flower growing, when there is usually no access to swamps. Moss is easily removed, but it is better to take only the upper parts of the stems, cutting them off with scissors. No need to be greedy. Remember that one liter plastic bag tightly stuffed with moss is enough to prepare at least 10 liters planting mixture. The collected sphagnum (to reduce weight) is carefully squeezed.
Moss brought from the forest should be poured for 30 minutes with very warm, but not hotter than 45 ° C, water. This will not only saturate it with moisture, but also get rid of insects.
Keep the moss cool in unsealed plastic bags, allowing it to breathe. In winter, it's just cold.
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When flowering plants did not yet exist in nature, it was already pleasing to the eye ... dinosaurs.
The forest, covered, reminds us of primitive times. Its layer of only a few centimeters creates the feeling of a dense green carpet covering everything around.
Moss superstar: classes and types
The first mosses appeared on our planet over 400 million years ago, long before flowering plants. Like, these plants reproduce by spores. There are about 18,000 moss species grouped into three classes.liver mosses
The oldest of them - liver mosses. The most famous member of this group is blepharostomy hairy (Blepharostoma trichophyllum) with its characteristic flat, spreading shape. Most liverwort mosses have both stems and true leaves.Blepharostomy hairy most often grows on the soil, as well as on deadwood, stumps and stones along the banks of streams and rivers, forming dense or loose, mixed with other bryophytes, turfs and even whole carpets.
A large class is also bryophytes. They are all divided into orders according to the structure of their stems, leaves and the way they are fixed in the soil. Mosses form "pillows" from millimeters to several centimeters high, and sometimes cover huge territories a dense lawn of living plants and their dead parts with a layer up to 1-3 m thick or more.
Anthocerotus mosses
The second no less extensive class - mosses, outwardly resembling "liverworts". They got their name from Greek words anthos - flower and keros - horn, since the form of plants is a dark green lamellar rosette (thallus) with a diameter of 1-3 cm, tightly adjacent to the soil, and numerous horn-shaped outgrowths (sporogony) up to 2-3 cm high.It belongs to one of the most common species. In the forest it can cover very large areas, but in inhabited places, on the walls and roofs of houses, he also has a place. The picture clearly shows long stems with spore boxes.
moss cuckoo flax looks like a branch coniferous plants. Its length can reach up to 15 cm, it is cuckoo flax that often lines the soil in the forest.
Wall tortula forms small pillows and grows on limestone stones, including on the walls of houses made of such material.
In some mosses, the spore boxes sometimes look like flowers, such as this one. juniper-like polytrichum.
Cirriphyllum hairy (Cirriphyllum piliferum) forms loose light green tufts. It prefers calcareous soil rich in nutrients. Cirriphyllum can be found in forests and bushes. However, he also has a place in the garden.
Hylocomium brilliant ( Hylocomium splendens) most often found in forests, although meadows, roadsides and quarries often give it shelter. In the process of growth, it forms cascades, consisting, as it were, of separate floors. 
Sphagnum hairy (Sphagnum capillifolium) grows primarily in swamps and wet forests. Plant height does not exceed 20 cm. This moss can be whitish-green, brown, reddish or yellow. 
Photo - this is the answer to the question - where does sphagnum moss grow? And where to buy sphagnum moss can be found below?
There are thousands of types of mosses. These plants differ from each other in color and texture (on a photo), but they are all non-vascular, which means that they do not have structures such as leaves and flowers. Mosses also do not produce seeds, they reproduce by spores that are dispersed by the wind. Mosses are extremely hardy and can be found growing in extreme cold conditions. The most common type of moss is sphagnum.
It is relatively easy to grow moss on various objects. There are a number of basic techniques that can be used for moss seedlings, ranging from creating a spore mix and a top dressing that you can draw on. Pictures on the surface of stone, slabs and wooden benches, before transplanting the finished pieces of moss "carpet" into shady areas in your garden. Keep in mind that sphagnum moss grows slowly.
Some companies where can i buy sphagnum, sell it in sheets or in boxes with turf. A sheet of moss has the advantage that outwardly it looks like finished corner the garden that makes it the best choice for impatient gardeners. When transplanting, make sure the soil is firm, acidic and moist. Capillary watering will keep the moss moist but not soggy. You can also transplant moss from other parts of the garden, or politely ask for moss from someone else's garden.
Photo (picture) - this is the answer to the question - where does sphagnum moss grow? Where will he buy? Of course in Moscow! Not in the swamp!
First select the moss on picture on the Internet or a book that you find attractive. Try to match the selected species to the climatic area, where you are planning grow sphagnum moss. If you want to grow moss on rock or paving slabs, look at moss that grows on rocks. If you are interested in some exotic species, consult with experts - is it possible to grow it in your conditions.
Ordinary moss that grows in the nearest swamp or wet forest can be planted in your area in a peculiar way:
Collect a handful of moss, shaking off as much dirt as possible in the process. Add moss to a blender along with half a teaspoon of sugar and one cup of kefir, beer, or yogurt. Mix everything so that the moss is ground. The resulting mixture of spores and nutrients distribute there where you want to grow moss, ideally somewhere cool, shady, and damp. If you want moss that looks more like fluffy paint, add a small amount of clay. If you will be growing sphagnum in soil, make sure the soil is acidic. Noticeable moss growth will usually appear within a few weeks.
Moss can be a great addition to a garden. Nice green color, will persist throughout all seasons as long as the moss has enough soil acidity. You can also make a "moss garden" by showing a row interesting varieties sphagnum on small area. Other gardeners like to use moss as an accent, as it often matures the garden, especially when grown on poles, arbors, artificial slides, and similar decorative items.
Plants growing in swamps differ from others in their structure and properties. Moss sphagnum refers to those herbs that, having adapted to terrestrial life, have retained some features of aquatic cultures. The representative of bryophytes firmly takes its place in nature, sharing with man its useful properties.
Many are familiar with peat moss - sphagnum, meeting with him while walking through the forest. When walking on a beautiful carpet of moss, your feet gently sink into it. At each step, a person feels humidity, as climbing shoots absorb moisture from the soil, air, retaining it in their cells. But moss is the material from which peat masses, brown coal have been formed for thousands of years. Sphagnum thickets play an important role in the regulation of the hydrological regime of territories.
Swamp moss sphagnum is common throughout the globe, but unevenly. In the tropics, he prefers mountainous terrain, and in the northern regions - damp areas pine and spruce forest. Sphagnum is less common in the steppes. The variety of plant species, the settlement of vast territories by it - everything speaks of its great role in natural groups. It is sphagnum and other bryophytes that play an important role in regulating the processes of evaporation of moisture from the ground.
The unusualness of sphagnum not only in the structure, but also useful composition, which is skillfully used by a person.
The development of moss occurs with a simultaneous process of growth and decomposition. Till top part stems develops, stretching 1-3 centimeters, the lower one, located under the liquid layer of soil, dies off, sinking over time to the bottom of the swamp.
Hence the variety of structure and color of moss bunches:
- The top layer of the plant is distinguished by many shades from light green, yellowish to red.
- At a depth of five centimeters are empty cells without chlorophyll, hence the presence of a pale yellow color.
- Below the water level, the moss stalks have a light brown tint.
- The dying parts of the sphagnum move to the bottom of the swamp.
Interesting profusely branching stem perennial plant. Small leaves consist of thin plates covering the stem in the form of scales. Between living cells are transparent shells of the dead. They are a reservoir for retaining moisture, drawing in evaporation from the environment.
Useful properties and applications in medicine
In medicine, such a property of moss as hygroscopicity has long been appreciated. After all, it absorbs moisture twenty times more than ordinary cotton wool. In this case, the wet piece of cotton ball becomes airtight. And sphagnum breathes well even when wet. No wonder moss was used during the war years as a dressing. And surgeons in field hospitals used it to clean wounds from blood and pus.
An important property of the plant is the disinfection of wounds.
Sphagnum actively fights pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The role of antibiotics is performed by the humic acids contained in it, substances from the class of coumarins. Their pronounced bactericidal effect is detrimental to staphylococci, streptococci.
There are many ways to use sphagnum in medical practice:
- To heal wounds, burns, moss is wrapped in gauze and applied to the affected areas.
- With arthrosis, arthritis, baths are taken, in which an infusion of the plant is added. To prepare it, one hundred grams of dry grass is poured into three liters hot water. After insisting for twenty to thirty minutes, the solution is filtered and poured into the bath. Such procedures are carried out twice a week for twenty minutes. In addition to treatment, water therapy sessions increase sweating, cleansing the body of toxins and toxins.
- To prevent fungal diseases of the nail, the feet put a layer of sphagnum in the shoes.
A plant from the Bryophytes family was known for its beneficial properties with medical point vision ten centuries ago. And until now, doctors use it in the treatment and prevention of certain pathologies.
The benefits of sphagnum moss were also appreciated by those involved in the cultivation of flowers. Use the material in different ways:
- Plant seeds germinate well in moist peat moss.
- The plant is used as an improvement in the composition of the soil when growing indoor flowers. It makes the soil loose, nutritious, moist. In addition, you can be calm about the occurrence of diseases in planted crops. They will not be afraid of any fungi or bacteria. Save plants from moss infection if you wrap them around the roots.
- For the colors that need high humidity for full growth, wet moss is placed in the pan or placed between the walls of pots inserted into each other.
- Preserve garden flower bulbs and tubers simply by placing them in sphagnum moss.
- Rooting cuttings will be more successful if crushed moss stalks are added to the substrate.
- Dried stems are good as a covering material for those plants that are afraid of frost.
- At the base of peat, the best fertilizer for garden and horticultural crops, lies sphagnum moss. And for the high-quality cultivation of orchids, a substrate is needed in which, in addition to fern leaves, pine bark, charcoal, there is white moss.
The curly stems of the plant are great for weaving baskets for hanging flowers. They serve as a support for crops with aerial roots. The indispensability of sphagnum in the cultivation of garden, indoor plants appreciated by all flower growers.
Moss can be harvested at any time of the year. They take only the upper living branches, carefully cutting them off with scissors or a knife. You can also completely remove the grass with your hands. The best place to collect sphagnum will be what is next to the trees. After collecting, the moss is squeezed out, removing the browned parts from it, cleaning it of debris and needles. Store the plant in a wet state by placing it in plastic bags and left in the cold.
Dry the stalks by hanging them on hangers or laying them out on a cloth.
After that, the material is placed in paper bags, keeping at room temperature air. It is necessary to use raw materials within a year. You can harvest sphagnum even in winter by digging it out from under the snow. It does not lose its beneficial properties from frost.
More information can be found in the video: