Sphagnum moss is a moss that forms in low nutrient, wet areas. As sphagnum grows, then begins a slow decomposition, it forms mats that sometimes reach hundreds of feet thick. You want this moss before it has started to decompose. If you're not confused yet: When it's suggested you use sphagnum moss as part of a potting mix, or in your case, an air-layer media, it's the long-fiber sphagnum moss that was originally live sphagnum moss that was harvested and dried - like the stuff in the paragraph above, before it begins to decompose. When we say, "Use sphagnum peat", we mean: Use the dried and partially decomposed product, not the long fibered stuff. What you want looks kind of like a nearly intact moss plant. The other looks like dry or dusty decomposing plant matter. You should be able to buy sphagnum moss at most big box stores in the potting medium section (in small bags). If you can't find it after another look, contact me off forum & I'll mail you some. ;o) Al

I got three bags of the Schulz sheet moss at Lowe's off the sale rack. I had it in my mind that it looked like it would work for mounting orchids, and it was pretty too! When I opened a bag, the smell of sea weed (that's been laying on the beach in the sun) was pretty loud. I ran my finger along the inside of the bag and tasted, and could detect no salt. I guess it's just the way this moss smells. Anyway I soaked some overnight, rinsed it well, and mounted a catt using some of it. The roots have grown in and over the moss with no apparent problems. It would/does make a pretty top dressing altho I've not used it in that way. .... I couldn't find anything on the net about this moss and salt, so I have continued to use it, but I still soak it first.....just cuz......;0) Pat...

I do not see any problem with the set up you describe. Just what size of bark are you using? If you are concerned about aeration of the mix I would add an inert as a component to the mix. This could be large sized perlite or pumice or even styrafoam chips (packing chips). Since you did not mention depth of your mix you may want to consider using a coarse grade of charcoal on the bottom blended with a coarse inert with a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches and set into one corner of the tank a "tube" that sits on top of the bottom fill and extends just above the surface of the soil surface-it can be hidden by a piece of bark or the sheet moss. This would provide additional venting. The "tube" could be anything like even a yogurt cup with the bottom cut off.

Don't waste your money or time. Generally the bagged mosses are totally dead and probably dyed. But you can get some moss plugs from a retailer if you do not have a local source. Here is the best one for you: Callicladium Here is a link below that might interest you: Here is a link that might be useful: Mosses of New Jersey-list and brief info