Sphagnum Moss: Urban Legend?

[philf555]

I have recently heard that there may be dangers associated with using Sphagnum moss. Primarily that dry sphagnum moss can emit spores which when inhaled can attach themselves to your lungs and I am vague on what they do at this point, however the end result (over time and enough inhalation...through working with it) results in death. Unfortunately stories are from someone who knows someone who heard it from someone so I cant substantiate the story.I'm open to what the general consensus is on this topic.

[emi93m]

Hey Phill

If it creates Arial roots on my Figs I dont really care I say this because i gave up smoking 4 odd months ago because it kills you now people are saying not to use S.M on your Bonsai what next . If useing S.M is my only vise and it will kill me long term ....... god take me and my Bonsai now

Regards Mick

[Damian Bee]

Perhaps you will start to grow aerial roots Emi

I have been using it for some time (over a 25 year period) and I am still kicking, most of the material that I use is slightly moist though to reduce dust. Better safe than sorry.

[Pup]

Do not use it dry.
There are lots of things out there that will kill you, like asbestos but they still say it wont, it does and it is painful and slow.

Cigarettes too.

[philf555]

Thanks Pup does this mean it needs to be constantly kept wet/moist???

[philf555]

Mick, Thanks Ive been off the cigies for 6 years, 28 days, not that im counting

Damian, Thanks for the feedback, ill bump this thread in another 25 years and see if are both still kicking along

[Pup]

Thanks Pup does this mean it needs to be constantly kept wet/moist???

YES

[Jan]

Do not use it dry.
There are lots of things out there that will kill you, like asbestos but they still say it wont, it does and it is painful and slow.

Cigarettes too.

Absolutely! Any dust, veg. matter, fibrous material can irritate the lungs and cause trouble; always keep it moist to minimise dust problems.

Long stranded moss is a favourite of mine, I mix it in with the potting mix and mulch with it when potting up collected material. Don’t know if the “Herbs & Spices” in it are an aid to the soil biota, to root promotion or what; all I know is that used in the mix it certainly seems to aid survival of collected material. IMHO

Jan

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi,

Are we safe from coconut coir mulch then? I mix them together too

Regards.

[NBPCA]

Hey Phill

If it creates Arial roots on my Figs I dont really care I say this because i gave up smoking 4 odd months ago because it kills you now people are saying not to use S.M on your Bonsai what next . If useing S.M is my only vise and it will kill me long term ....... god take me and my Bonsai now

Regards Mick

Just don't smoke the Spagnum what ever you do!

Grant

[emi93m]

Hey Phill

If it creates Arial roots on my Figs I dont really care I say this because i gave up smoking 4 odd months ago because it kills you now people are saying not to use S.M on your Bonsai what next . If useing S.M is my only vise and it will kill me long term ....... god take me and my Bonsai now

Regards Mick

Just don't smoke the Spagnum what ever you do!

Grant

[reddoggy]

I have been in the building game for 45 years and breathed in heaps of dust and people still want me to work for nothing, I will take my chances on Spag moss it is softer than brick dust something has got to kill you.
All potting mixes and mosses and chemicals should be treated with respect.

[Glenda]

Its called Sporotrichosis and is from the spores of a fungus, not the sphagnum itself according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporotrichosis), but you can get it from soil and hay also. So you are just as likely to get it from the potting mix, or digging in the garden. If you are really worried, wear a dust mask. Lets face it - these days it seems just breathing will kill you eventually

Glenda

[Andrew F]

Tap water will cause you more ill effect then sphagnum moss IMO. Unless of course your smoking thru a corn cob pipe to impress dinner guests. Ive tried using S.M to promote aerial roots and hasnt worked as of yet

[Dario]

Just don't smoke the Spagnum what ever you do!
Grant

Lets face it - these days it seems just breathing will kill you eventually
Glenda

When you think about it...the more air that you breath, the closer you are to death
Don't worry...they reckon the Mayan callender runs out later this year and we are all going to cark it
Keep on breathing, Dario.
PS Watch out for aliens too!