How to keep Live Sphagnum moss in your BioActive enclosure- Quick Answer
- Emily A
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Sphagnum moss is Old, and by old, I mean it's roughly 350 to 450 million years old, making it one of the oldest surviving land plants! Due to its nature, Sphagnum moss does not grow in the same conditions as most plants.
Sphagnum moss is unique for several reasons! Unlike most plants, Sphagnum moss has no true roots or vascular system, meaning it absorbs water and nutrients directly through its leaves. Sphagnum moss is super-absorbent because of its cellular structure; its dead cells can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, making it nature's sponge!
Keeping live sphagnum moss alive in a reptile/amphibian BioActive enclosure can be a bit tricky to start, but when established, it makes a beautiful ground cover. Live Sphagnum moss requires a balance of high humidity with proper lighting and water.
To thrive, Sphagnum moss needs:
Distilled or R.O. water: Tap water can be mineral-heavy. This mineral build-up can quickly kill live moss.
High humidity: Maintain 70-90% ambient humidity. Misting or a fogger is necessary unless the enclosure is closed off.
Indirect, light: Sphagnum moss wants a full-spectrum LED grow light(roughly 5000K-6700K) for 10-12 hours a day. Be sure not to expose your live Sphagnum moss to direct sunlight to ensure it doesn't burn.
Use a damp Substrate: Plant it on a layer of moisture-retaining substrate, like our BioActive Rainforest Substrate.
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