Learn all about peat moss in this video and how it’s important to growing healthy houseplants. Peat moss is used in potting mixes. It has the ability to retain moisture without being waterlogged and provides plants with acidity. Also learn about sphagnum peat moss, which is different than regular peat moss, and what it’s used for.
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Today, we’re going to talk about peat moss, including sphagnum peat moss, and their significance in growing healthy houseplants.
Peat moss is a substance farmed from bogs and used in various potting soil mixes. It retains soil moisture without becoming waterlogged, which helps prevent root rot—a common houseplant killer. Peat moss also acidifies the soil, which benefits certain houseplants.
The terms “peat” and “peat moss” are often used interchangeably, but they are slightly different. Over thousands of years, plant materials submerged in bogs break down to form a type of soil called peat. The most common source is sphagnum moss, which becomes sphagnum peat moss.
Sphagnum peat moss is harvested from living plants. It has a mossy texture and is used in hanging basket liners, as top dressing, and as mulch.
In contrast, regular peat moss is harvested from dead plant matter. The bogs are temporarily dried out, and the peat is vacuumed up, further dried, screened, and compressed into bales. This is the type used in potting soils. It appears finer than sphagnum moss and may require breaking up before use.
Peat moss is also used to make peat pellets and peat pots, which are commonly used for seed starting and propagation. For example, a jade plant can be propagated in a peat pot and then placed into a decorative container.
Much of the peat moss available in North America is harvested in Canada. Though there are environmental concerns, Canadian producers often use sustainable harvesting practices, including bog restoration. The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association oversees these efforts.
Peat forms at a rate of one inch every 15 to 25 years, but studies show that harvested peatlands can be restored to ecological balance in just 5 to 20 years.
A final note: Use gloves when handling sphagnum peat moss, as it can contain a fungus that causes skin irritation or lesions. This is not an issue with regular peat moss.
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) History FAQs
What is the botanical name of the Peace Lily?
The Peace Lily is botanically known as Spathiphyllum wallisii, named after the plant explorer Gustav Wallis who discovered it.Are Peace Lilies true lilies?
No, Peace Lilies are not true lilies. They belong to the Araceae (arum) family, which includes plants like Monsteras and Philodendrons.Where is the Peace Lily originally from?
Peace Lilies are native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela.When did the Peace Lily become popular in Europe?
The Peace Lily was introduced to Europe in 1824 and became especially popular in Victorian England.Why are Peace Lilies known for air purification?
In 1989, NASA ranked Peace Lilies among the top air-purifying plants, noting their effectiveness in improving indoor air quality.How did the Peace Lily get its name?
The name “Peace Lily” comes from the white flower’s resemblance to a white flag, the international symbol for peace and truce.Are there different varieties of Peace Lilies?
Yes, there are over 50 known cultivars of Peace Lilies, including dwarf varieties and taller types like the popular variegated ‘Domino’.Patreon: 
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