Sphagnum Question

[mass]

Why are all of my plants growing big and green, but all of my LFS top dressing turning black?

 

[SDCPs]

Conditions must not be right for the moss. It is very sensitive. Maybe a more experienced member can explain

 

[mass]

Maybe a more experienced member can explain

hmm.. IMO that's you.

 

[BigBella]

The blackening of the moss could be due to fertilizers, mineral-laden water, an excess of sun, often too little water -- any number of things . . .

 

[mass]

The blackening of the moss could be due to fertilizers, an excess of sun, often too little water -- a number of things . . .

1. no fertilizers have ever been used
2. the black moss is only in my indoor pots, under lights
3. the moss is always moist, never wet. Always plenty of moisture..

 

[Not a Number]

Expanding on what David said:

Browning and blackening of the crowns or tips is usually results from excessive evaporation which wicks the dissolved ions to the surface (mostly Calcium). Rinse with pure water and gently rub the moss with your hands until the crust dissolves and rinses away. Warm water might help. Warm, not hot unless you want cooked moss.

Browning like this most commonly occurs with moss exposed to strong sunlight and wind.

Sphagnum moss will voraciously absorb any nutrients. Tip browning could also be an indication of excessive nutrients from peat moss breakdown, fertilizer, nitrogen fixing bacteria/algae, dissolved solids in the water and low humidity.

http://www.botanik.univie.ac.at/~temsch/index.html
http://culturesheet.org/sphagnaceae:sphagnum

 

[Tamlin Dawnstar]

NAN has it right. I would look closely at my water or mix, the problem is most likely there.