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Sphagnum moss for orchids, violets, flowers and houseplants, how to apply and use. Moss sphagnum: use in the garden, in indoor floriculture. How did people use sphagnum moss in the past? Moss room care at home

Knowing how people used sphagnum moss in the past, you can successfully put this information into practice. It has long been known that it was nature that gave us the best for housekeeping and maintaining health.

Definition

Moss) is a genus of mosses that live in upland and transitional swamps. The upper part of the plant increases annually, and the bottom dies off. When almost does not rot and serves to form peat. This is due to the presence of carbolic acid in the body of sphagnum, which is a strong antiseptic.

Sphagnum usually appears in places with a humid environment. Due to its ability to absorb and retain moisture, the accumulation of such moss leads to waterlogging. At the same time, the plant has a number of properties that make it invaluable in the economy. To date, there is a huge amount of information about how people used sphagnum moss in the past.

Application in construction

Due to its low thermal conductivity, such moss was actively used in construction. So, a special powder or plates were made from it, which were used in the construction of walls. But do not think that this technology is a thing of the past. It is quite possible to use it today, because sphagnum has a number of undeniable advantages over modern building materials:

Sphagnum is an indispensable component in the preparation of earthen mixtures for indoor plants. The fact is that when dry, moss absorbs water 20 times its own weight. Thus, the earth remains moist longer and systematically nourishes the roots of plants. If you're going away for a while but aren't sure your neighbors will conscientiously water your plants, make sure they're planted in soil mixed with finely chopped sphagnum.

Use in animal husbandry

How did people use sphagnum moss in the past? This plant has played an important role in almost all spheres of human life. So, sphagnum has always served as a good bedding for pets. And the bactericidal qualities prevented the spread of livestock diseases. In addition, in barns where sphagnum is used, there will never be bad smell.

Appreciated the beneficial properties of sphagnum and beekeepers. Moss bedding is placed under the hives to insulate and absorb excess moisture. In addition, sphagnum will disinfect the air, which will prevent the spread of diseases that are dangerous for bees.

Use in medicine

The use of sphagnum moss in medicine is due to its properties:

• good hygroscopicity, which means the ability to quickly absorb moisture (several times better than the usual cotton wool);
• good breathability (even when wet);
• antibacterial properties.

All of the above characteristics make sphagnum an excellent dressing material. For the treatment of wounds, this moss was used in ancient times, and in war time This stuff has saved more than one life. Here are some more ways to use sphagnum in medicine:

• treatment of frostbite and burns;
• splinting (sphagnum acts as a layer that protects the skin);
• treatment of foot and nail fungus (special moss insoles are used for this);
• treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases infectious nature(moss insist in hot water, and then take a bath with the addition of this remedy);
• fight against staphylococcal lesions (you need to wash the wound with liquid squeezed out after collecting sphagnum).

Moss sphagnum: use in the garden

Avid gardeners and gardeners have long appreciated the benefits of sphagnum. This moss contributes to the normal development of young plants, as well as the restoration of "sick" specimens. And, of course, gardeners could not fail to note the hygroscopic properties of sphagnum. Moss helps support normal humidity soil even in extreme heat. By accumulating moisture during rain or watering, sphagnum gradually releases it as the soil dries.

Conclusion

An undeservedly forgotten plant is sphagnum moss. Its use in various spheres of life is becoming popular again. So, in medical circles they talk about the release of dressings based on it. Also, this moss can bring considerable profit to builders. In the meantime, livestock breeders and gardeners actively and successfully use sphagnum in their activities.

Mosses are common on all continents, up to Antarctica. These green carpets can be found on rocks, trees, any soil that landscape designers are interested in. The plant can perfectly fit into the decor of the garden, decorate the room with an unusual composition. Consider in the article the features of growing moss.

Fundamental principles

Mosses, or bryophytes, are devoid of root and vascular system higher plants. They appeared more than 400 million years ago, they do not grow only in deserts and semi-deserts due to the lack of water there. Accordingly, the first condition for growing a plant is a sufficient amount of moisture. Water also serves as a source of food for him.

The second condition for the development of a bryophyte is the absence of direct sun rays: under the influence of ultraviolet light, the plant loses its color, gets burned.

Bryophytes, as was said, do not have roots and multiply like mushrooms with the help of spores. Approximate spore maturation time is the end of summer.

Did you know? An interesting experiment was conducted by scientists with a bryophyte sample found icy in Antarctica. Having thawed the plant, it was placed in an incubator and, despite the fact that the sample, according to biologists, froze one and a half thousand years ago, it returned to life.

How to plant houses

Mosses have been used in design for a long time and in a variety of ways: they are grown for bonsai, used as a decorative substrate around other plants and indoor mini-gardens. You can grow a bryophyte in any container and on any surface. For indoor plantings you can use decorative glass bowls with a wide bottom and neck, small aquariums, florariums and containers, glass jars.
You can buy planting material in a garden store or nursery, or you can dig up in the forest.

Drainage in the form of small river pebbles or expanded clay is placed at the bottom in a selected container. Ideal ground there will be coco substrate for growing moss for the following reasons:

• it has a neutral acidity;
• it perfectly retains moisture;
• is natural and environmentally friendly;
• it is a breathable material.

Important! When searching on your own, it is advisable to choose clean forests away from the road. The material itself is best collected from trees, since bacteria can be brought into the house with the soil.

We thoroughly moisten both the soil and the planting material, lay out the seedlings, slightly pressing into the substrate. Details of the landing process can be found in the following video:

Care

In the first few days, seedlings should be sprayed daily with a spray bottle. The water must be clean: filtered, rain or melt. Plain tap water may give a white coating on the landing surface.

Did you know? Yagel (Scandinavian moss), which is practically the only food reindeer in winter, has healing properties. Recently isolated from the composition of the plant, usnic acid is a strong antibiotic that destroys entire colonies of pathogenic microorganisms in meager doses.

When you see that the seedling has taken root and begins to grow, reduce watering to two times a week. Moss should be kept shaded, but in the morning, when the sun appears, expose it for a couple of hours under the rays.

How to plant a plant on the site

In garden plots, bryophytes serve not only as a decorative decoration, but also benefit:

• in flooded areas absorb excess moisture;
• on stony soils are used instead of lawn.

How to grow on the ground

Consider the detailed steps for planting bryophytes:

1. Prepare the site in advance: level and clear of weeds and plant debris.
2. Bring the acidity level of the soil to a neutral value. Acidic soil is limed, aluminum sulfate is added to the soil with a low level of acidity (both components can be found in the store).
3. Using the nozzle of the sprayer, moisten the prepared "bed" abundantly.
4. The best method of planting is to divide the larger moss plate into small pieces and plant at some distance from each other, pressing into the soil.
5. Water the moss daily for two weeks after planting. During this time, the seedlings adapt to the new place.

How to grow on rocks

The instructions above will not work when landing on rocks, as it requires a kind of grip with the surface. Several mixtures can play this role - use the one that is more convenient for you:

• 200 g / ml of moss, kefir and water;
• 200 g of moss, 0.4 l of beer, 20 g of sugar;
• 200 g of moss, powder of two aspirin tablets, 200 ml of water.

Important! If the color of the plant is too dark, this means an excess of water; if it takes on a light green tint, there is not enough moisture.

Any of the three proposed mixtures must be crushed with a blender, then applied to the required surface. Treated stones should be sprayed with water twice a week.

How to grow in an ornamental pond

To grow a green carpet frame on a pond, you need to purchase water- and breathable geotextiles, which are used in landscape design. On the surface of the water, in the place where landscaping is planned, lay out strips of fabric, pieces of moss on top of it. Watering is not necessary, since the fabric immediately absorbs and retains water, respectively, the seedlings are also sufficiently moistened.

Not everyone likes to mess around with indoor plants. Not everyone has a talent for this, and the flowers die before they can settle down. However, without greenery, window sills look lonely, and the interior is boring. And if you share this point of view, you should find out how to grow moss at home. It does not cause allergies, is very unpretentious, resistant to the vast majority of diseases and pests, does not require fertilizers, pruning and hilling. And with it you can create wonderful mini-landscapes and amazing compositions.

How to grow moss at home: fundamental principles

Before you start breeding mosses, you need to understand for yourself their needs and needs. First, mosses growing on trees will not survive on rock or soil, and vice versa. So you need to settle the brought "shred" on a suitable basis.

Secondly, mosses need diffused and indirect light. If the sun illuminates them only in the mornings or in the evening, the mosses will delight you with bright colors. But the midday rays will make the moss pale, dull, and may completely destroy it.

Third, the source is important. planting material. Before you ask yourself how to grow moss at home, ask the specialty stores if they sell it. So you will definitely deal with healthy specimens and do not infect plants at home. If there is no moss for sale, go to the forest. Just clearly remember what is taken from where, and remove the moss with a layer of turf.

Landing

It must be taken as seriously as possible, since it is unrealistic to grow moss at home, initially incorrectly placed. Any vessel can be taken under the plantation. But it will look most spectacular in a glass bowl, a rounded vase or a spherical aquarium. In addition, in such containers it is easier to create and maintain the desired microclimate.

To make the moss feel comfortable at home, small expanded clay or washed pebbles are poured onto the bottom of the vessel. Granulated coal is placed on top of the drainage, and the substrate is already placed on it. As a soil, take the one that is intended for epiphytes and marsh plants, then the mosses will quickly get used to it. A landscape is formed on the ground and moss is laid out, with a slight pressure from above. After the formation of the landscape, it is abundantly spilled with water to stimulate survival.

Care

The moss composition will not require special attention. But only after the "green" takes root. Therefore, the main subtlety of how to grow sphagnum moss at home is to provide it with abundant moisture at first, and then maintain it at a constant average level. For a week or two, the pads should be sprayed daily, while observing that there is no flooding effect. Condensation should form on the walls of the vessel only in the morning. If the moss cover began to darken, then the intensity of watering needs to be reduced. When the mosses begin to grow, spraying is carried out less often, once every three, or even five days.

Growing moss at home may mean fighting mold at the first stage. Usually it appears if the "rugs" are not brought from the store. In this case, problem areas are treated with phytosporin. Although some moss growers believe that the plantations themselves will cope with this scourge. But it seems to us that it is better to help them anyway: the moss is weakened until the moment of complete adaptation, and it does not need additional stresses and loads.

If you created an installation in an open dish-pot, then you need to spray the moss daily. Otherwise, it will dry out quickly and lose its decorative effect.

moss in the garden

The situation is much simpler with the cultural cultivation of moss cover in the open air. There is no need to painstakingly create the necessary conditions and plant pillows. You need to get a sufficient piece of moss, healthy, without dried and suspicious areas. The blender is loaded with two glasses of water and milk, plus prey from the forest. Having received a cocktail consistency, with this composition you “paint” the intended area. Thanks to milk, moss takes root over the entire treated surface with a probability of 90-95 percent.

With some hard work and artistic talent, your fence, house wall, or rock garden can become a real work of art. Your immediate task will only include regular watering of the “picture” until the moss is definitely fixed in the territory provided to it.

Many gardeners and gardeners are wondering about the presence of moss on summer cottages. Is moss harmful or beneficial to cultivated plants? What are the reasons for its appearance? How to get rid of moss in the country and remove this plant from the garden? Having studied such sensitive questions, experienced agronomists give comprehensive answers. Let's try to understand everything in our article.

Reasons for the appearance of moss in the garden

Moss is a marshy plant with a highly developed reproductive system. It has stems, leaves, but most species grow without a root system. It spreads ubiquitously by means of spores. He is not picky about conditions. Handles drying out easily. Due to its bactericidal and antiseptic properties, it is not affected by bacteria and rot, and insects do not overcome it.

The main reasons for the appearance of moss on your site are:

• excessive soil moisture, the presence of stagnant water
• the presence of shaded places, and shading is constant
• increased acidity of the earth
• lack of proper amount or excess of nutrients in the soil, lack of fertilizing

Moss - a plant of moist and acidic soils

Having warned your question on determining the cause of the appearance of moss, it is worth giving an example of an answer to a novice gardener Marina N. from the city of Blagoveshchensk. Marina asks: “How to find out what specifically affects the appearance of moss? How can I determine whether it is moisture or acidity of the soil?

• This can be done by carefully looking at the structure of the moss. If the moss is long and has straight shoots pointing up, the bottom is dark brown and the top is bright green - in front of you acidic soil. It is often dry.
• In the presence of moss, which spreads like an even carpet on the ground, does not have vertical processes - the soil is very wet, it begins to swamp. She sticks to her hands, gathers in lumps. It shows a grayish-greenish coating.
• You will notice the shadow from the buildings yourself. Only you are aware of the application of a large amount of fertilizers or their absence in the soil. So, having easily dealt with identifying the cause of the appearance of moss, you can talk about its harm and benefits in the garden.

What green moss brings us: harm or benefit?

Moss sprouting on the open surface of the site

It is understandable that gardeners complain about the quality of plants located near the formation of moss. What is its influence? Should it be tolerated or actively removed? Read also the article: → "How to deal with lichens on currants, apple trees and other fruit trees."

Why does moss affect plants negatively?

1. Moss consumes carbon dioxide, mineral salts and moisture from the soil. He takes water in such an amount that exceeds the absorption capacity of cotton wool by twenty-five percent.
2. Violates gas exchange and aeration of the earth.
3. Sucks out the nutrients needed by cultivated plants.
4. Acidifies the soil.
5. Swamps the territory
6. Due to the above points, the development of plants is inhibited and, as a result, productivity is reduced.

Does moss benefit gardeners?

Sphagnum - a type of moss with bactericidal properties

Undoubtedly, and not only in gardening:

1. Certain crops require the soil to be acidic. Farmers go in such cases to the targeted reproduction of moss next to them. With a neutral soil level, it is easy to deoxidize it by planting moss.
2. To eliminate some insect pests, as well as bacteria, an infusion of moss is made and the ground parts of plants are sprayed in their habitats. Possessing bactericidal properties, moss quickly copes with ailments.
3. Houseplants such as orchids and violets require a lot of moisture and hyperacidity earth. Growing them on moss gives positive results. Read also the article: → “Rules for feeding indoor plants folk remedies and fertilizers. For naughty plants, moss makes the soil loose and capable of air penetration. The main thing to know is that Sphagnum moss is used for these purposes.
4. Moss is an excellent soil sterilizer from fungal growths.
5. It is used as a heater for beehives and barns. Plug gaps in rooms with high humidity.
6. Animal lovers use this plant as bedding.
7. Produce decorative panels, vertical beds for flower beds, wall decorations.

Having found out that moss has a lot of positive and negative properties, it is worth dwelling on the fact that for agriculture, for its intended purpose, moss is a plant that is harmful. It is detrimental to ground and greenhouse crops.

Destruction of moss in the garden

The process of getting rid of a harmful plant is lengthy. It may take more than one year. But the effort will exceed your expectations. You know the cause of the moss. Now arm yourself with the techniques of fighting against him.

Question	Answer
How to reduce the acidity of the soil?	During spring digging, it is necessary to saturate the soil with fluffy lime. The calculation is as follows: fifty kilograms of a substance per hundred square meters earth. Add dolomite flour in autumn. It is also recommended to use ordinary wood ash, if available in such quantities.
How to rid the site of excess water?	If the soil is peaty or clay, add sand and dig. Dig trenches, grooves to drain water or build a drain. Try not to moisten the soil in spring or keep watering to a minimum.
If the site is not flat: there are hills and lowlands, what should I do?	Moss grows in the lower parts, in depressions, in ditches. You will have to level the surface of your garden, dig it up with a pitchfork and saturate it with oxygen.
What to do with shaded areas?	If there is a shadow from the main building, plant nearby shade-loving plants. Over time, they themselves will outlive all the moss. If there are piles of bricks, firewood, utensils, boards on the site, try to move them to the place where you are not going to plant crops. When planning the construction of a bathhouse, a barn, a paddock, arrange them conveniently for the further use of usable land.
Nothing helps?	Use radical methods. Use a herbicide that is based on glyphosate, ammonium sulfate, iron or copper. Solution: dissolve one hundred milliliters of ferrous sulfate in twenty liters of water and spray on three hundred square meters. The substance "Dichlorophen" is also popular.
Can weeds promote moss growth?	Certainly yes. Especially tall plants: nettle, wormwood, quinoa, sedge. If you do not have time to get rid of them in time, moss is provided to you. Don't forget about weeding. The absence of weeds not only helps to get rid of moss, but also from various diseases and pests that spoil your crop with their negative impact.

You have learned only part of the measures to prevent the appearance or destruction of moss on open ground. But the problem is not only here. Some gardeners notice the growth of moss in greenhouses.

It seems that the space is limited, and the coating saves from precipitation, but the ubiquitous plant called moss still quietly penetrates and spoils the life of the cultural. What to do in these cases?

🎥 Video lesson from a gardener from Germany "How to deal with moss on the site"

Practical advice from an amateur gardener from Germany on how to deal with moss in a summer cottage.

The struggle of greenhouse plants with moss in a greenhouse for a place in the sun

When fighting moss, the main thing is to determine its variety.

Moss does not please gardeners with its appearance both in open ground and in greenhouse buildings. What is it sometimes associated with? The main reason is the violation of the microclimate in greenhouses and greenhouses.

Air temperature in closed spaces changes drastically depending on the season. Increased moisture in summer and its absence in winter have a bad effect on the soil. This is especially noticeable when the soil is not renewed, fertilized and is not fertile.

When the soil turns green, there are two reasons for this: moss and algae appear. We are now interested in the overgrowing of the greenhouse with moss. How to cope? Need to change land? What to process? All these questions torment summer residents. Let's look for answers together.

Reasons for the appearance of moss in the greenhouse

• Lack of ventilation
• High soil pH
• Waterlogging with watering

All of these reasons are similar to those that cause the germination of moss in open ground. There are some features for their prevention, as well as for the treatment of a greenhouse from a harmful plant.

How to arrange ventilation in the greenhouse

Treated greenhouse with soil replacement and mulching

Ideally, the structure should have two doorways located opposite each other. In polycarbonate greenhouses, this function is often provided by manufacturers. You just need to ask about its availability.

Tip #1 Choose the right house for crops. Start not only from the sizes, but also from the functionality.

Sellers do not always advise installing such an option as additional ventilation. Ask. Everyone has the opportunity to install a thermal actuator. You will have to spend a little, but your yield will be much higher, and the plants will feel more comfortable in such a room. This device works by heating and cooling the substances that make up its constituent parts.

The hydraulic mechanism of the thermal drive is good for those summer residents who do not always have the opportunity to come to the site and open the greenhouse for ventilation. The second option is to install a fan by cutting into the upper end of the door. Two disadvantages are the dependence on the availability of electricity and the cash costs of electricity. If there is one door, the ventilation device should be located on the opposite side.

Remember, if you grow eggplants in a greenhouse, airing them is strictly contraindicated. Take care of their whereabouts in advance, arrange small greenhouse or shelter bed. For other greenhouse crops, the draft is not terrible. Feel free to install.

Instructions for cultivating land in a greenhouse from moss

Moss paintings - a work of art by designers

1. Moss spreads over the surface without roots. To carry out the work of removing the top layer of soil is not difficult. Shoot about thirty centimeters.
2. Moss spores spread quickly and are invisible to the human eye. Wash the ends of the greenhouse soapy water. Dispose of water away from the building.
3. Sprinkle one of the following preparations on the soil surface: dolomite flour(better in autumn), wood ash, slaked lime, crushed chalk.
4. Spill these places with water the next day. Do not be zealous, moss loves a lot of moisture. Don't give him a chance to take advantage of your ignorance. After two or three days, sprinkle the preparation again and dig the earth to the depth of a shovel. Fill in the missing amount of new uninfected land. Take the soil from the area where the sun prevails.
5. Before planting cultivated plants, sow the ground with green manure: oats, mustard, lupine. They saturate the soil with oxygen. This fact prevents moss from germinating. Read also the article: → "Enrichment of the soil with nitrogen and oxygen without manure using mustard."
6. When planting tomatoes, cucumbers or peppers, do not get rid of the sown crops. Make holes, plant seedlings. When the oats or mustard grow ten to fifteen centimeters, carefully cut off the top with a pruner or scissors and place it under the rhizomes of your pets. The roots without the ground part will quickly rot, and the foliage will play the role of mulch and nutrition.
7. Try not to waterlog the soil in the greenhouse. Especially if you have a pillow of their organic plants, they will retain moisture. Watering will be much less frequent.
8. Also use hay, straw, sawdust, tree bark as mulch. They will be able to prevent excessive soil moisture.

Tip #2 During the season, pour ashes under the roots of plants. It is an excellent acidity regulator and a useful fertilizer for many crops.

Some short-sighted or inexperienced gardeners can harm their fertile land getting rid of moss with copper sulfate. This is absolutely impossible to do. He not only kills harmful plants, but also useful life will not give. Destroying all microorganisms will spoil your earth.

Now you know that it is not so difficult to prevent the germination of moss and fight it. The main thing is not to go to extremes and on time, and most importantly, to take care of the soil correctly. And mother earth will answer you with love and her gifts in the form of a large harvest.

Green account

Oak moss. Beneficial features. Treatment

oakmoss- lichen, a unique plant that is a mixture of fungus and algae, but unlike terrestrial species lichens, such as Icelandic moss, prefer to grow on tree bark, including oak bark. Oak moss is widely used in the perfume industry.

Useful properties of oak moss

Oak moss contains: mucous substances and fats, resins, essential oils, wax and evernic acid.

Application of oak moss

Used for pulmonary diseases, diseases of the endocrine system, lack of appetite, diarrhea.

Oak moss treatment. Recipes

Collection and drying of oak moss

It is necessary to dry the moss in well-ventilated areas, and preferably in a small draft, in dark place. Collect, usually, oakmoss in the summer, carefully separating it from the surface of the bark.

How to prepare Oakmoss in infusions and decoctions

The use of oakmoss in Graves' disease (increased function of the thyroid gland, accompanied by an increase in its size) How to Brew Oakmoss: It is necessary to prepare a mixture of 30 grams of oak moss, 100 grams of Icelandic moss, 50 grams of sage, 30 grams of oak bark, 20 grams of goat's rue. Brew 2 tablespoons of the mixture in liters of boiling water, boil for 10-15 minutes. How to take Oakmoss: Take before meals, 100 ml 4 times a day.

In case of lack of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, prepare an infusion: 2 tablespoons of oakmoss per 300 ml. water. Boil and insist 2 hours. Take before meals, 3 times a day, 100 ml.

Description

Irish moss (carrageenan. Not to be confused with Iceland moss!) is a representative of red algae, which is also called carrageenan. This amazing plant helps in the fight against viruses, relieves inflammation and softens the skin.

plant harvesting

If you are growing Irish moss yourself, it is not recommended to cut the plant before three months, because it has not yet gained enough mass for further processing, use moss that is six months old or more. After you cut the moss, it must be washed and dried.

For industrial preparations, moss is boiled in a solution with the addition of alkali, which sometimes takes more than two days. Then the resulting solution is purified from algae, during which a carrageenan mass is formed, which is dried and ground into powder.

Beneficial features

The medicinal plant is used as a laxative, emollient and anti-inflammatory agent, which helps with respiratory diseases and intestinal catarrhs. In addition, Irish moss is used to heal inflammation on the skin due to its good antiviral properties. Carrageenan can be found in creams, lotions, tablets or powder.

Do not be surprised if you find Irish moss on the label in margarine, ice cream, yogurt or pudding, because it serves as a good thickener and is actively used in culinary products. For clarification of beer, they are added to pet food, shampoos and toilet soaps are made.

Irish moss extract contains whole line vitamins: A, B1, B2, C, E, D, as well as iodine, fucoxanthin and sulfoamino acid. The high content of mineral salts, organic acids and polysaccharides helps to retain moisture in the skin and remove toxins.

Useful substances in carrageenan

Vitamin A relieves the skin of dryness and flaking, actively renews cells and thereby restores upper layer skin, which leads to the smoothing of wrinkles and increase the elasticity of the epidermis. And the natural antioxidants that make up the Irish moss protect the skin from external negative influences, retain moisture in it and give it a velvety feel.

Vitamins B1 and B2 fight premature skin aging and give it a healthy color.

Vitamin C stimulates collagen fibers to actively regenerate, which prevents skin aging, protects it from pigmentation and strengthens blood vessels.

Vitamin E protects cells from UV and pollution due to its antioxidant properties. It moisturizes the skin very well, gives it elasticity and prevents aging.

Contraindications

Treatment with preparations containing Irish moss is not recommended for pregnant women, children under two years of age, the elderly, and those who suffer from diseases. gastrointestinal tract(ulcer, gastritis, diverticulitis, esophagitis, ulcerative colitis). It is forbidden to take Irish moss in parallel with anticoagulants, antipyretics and amino acids.

Irish Moss Recipes

Irish Moss Recipes

Take 50 gr. Irish moss and pour three glasses of water, then boil for 30-35 minutes, after the broth has cooled down a bit, it can be consumed. Take the medicine 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals, 150 ml. The course of treatment is 20 days.

Be sure to consult your doctor before treating diseases with folk remedies. This will help to take into account individual tolerance, confirm the diagnosis, make sure the treatment is correct and exclude negative drug interactions. If you use prescriptions without consulting a doctor, then it is entirely at your own risk. All recipes are provided for informational purposes only. You are solely responsible for their use.

Just as interesting

Hello dear readers and my dear friends.

Today I want to tell you about an unusual plant that is often used to grow orchids. I was prompted to write about it by the questions of the members of the group that I created in Odnoklassniki. Often, considering diseased plants, we discussed their treatment, and came to the conclusion that we need to buy sphagnum moss, which will relieve various diseases and many problems in care.

Yes, you understood correctly, we will talk about one of the plants of the swamp world. In this post, we will look at sphagnum moss, its properties, methods and scope.

moss sphagnum

Moss got its name from the Greeks, in translation sphagnum means "sponge". It fully justifies its name: its dry hygroscopicity (the ability to absorb water 20 times its own weight) is 25 times greater than cotton wool.

In nature, it is easily confused with "cuckoo flax", which is very similar to it and differs only in its bright green color. Sphagnum has a pleasant light green color, and when it dries, it becomes almost white. That is why among the people he received the name of white moss.

He has no roots. The lower part eventually dies off and turns into peat without rotting. Rotting is prevented by substances that have bactericidal properties. Due to these properties, moss is used not only in gardening, but also in medicine (in particular, in the production of medical alcohol).

blank

It grows almost everywhere, but it is most reliable to look for it in a swampy area. If you decide to stock up on this plant for future use, then follow these rules:

• When harvesting sphagnum, do not pull it out along with the bottom. You will destroy a magnificent beautiful pillow.
• It will be correct to cut off the upper part of the plant with scissors, which will come in handy for you. Then the remaining roots will give young shoots.
• At home, it is imperative to pour hot water over the collected moss in order to kill the larvae and eggs of insects. At the same time, sphagnum does not lose its properties.
• You can dry it in the open air - in the sun and the breeze.
• Artificial drying in dryers is not recommended, since the plant does not dry evenly there.
• If the blank was for medical purposes, then the moss can be dried until completely dry, after which it can be broken and placed in dry containers.
• For decorative purposes and floriculture, it is not recommended to dry it to full condition. Store wrapped in newspaper. Another storage method is freezer. Put it there green and take it out as needed.

I suggest you watch the harvesting of moss on the video.

If you live in big city or there are no close swamps in your area and you cannot make a harvest yourself, a dried or green plant can be bought at a specialized flower shop or on the Internet (very often it is sold on orchid forums).

For those who want to buy sphagnum moss, I can give the address, such purchases were made by my girls from the orchid care group. Contact.

Beneficial features

Sphagnum moss has three beneficial properties: high hygroscopicity, high bactericidal properties and air permeability. These properties are used in various fields.

Medicine

This plant has been used in medicine since the 11th century. At the end of the 19th century, sphagnum was sent to the Russian provinces as a dressing material. The package with such amazing material was accompanied by a questionnaire for paramedics and doctors with a survey about its properties. As a result, doctors highly appreciated the bactericidal and hygroscopic properties of the novelty.

IN modern medicine this dressing was undeservedly forgotten, but during the war it was the first remedy that, with its high hygroscopicity, easily absorbed blood, pus and other liquids. Now some pharmaceutical companies are resuming the production of sphagnum-gauze tampons, which are additionally impregnated with a solution of boric acid.

Disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal properties in moss are determined by the phenol-like substance sphagnol and sphagnum or humic acids, which exhibit antibiotic properties.

• Bactericidal properties are used for cuts, frostbite and burns.
• Not everyone knows that when applying a splint to a fracture, it cannot be applied directly to the body. Use sphagnum moss. The properties will help decontaminate the wound and soften friction and possible shocks when transporting the patient.
• To combat foot fungus, use sphagnum insoles. They will also help to get rid of the unpleasant smell of the feet and their increased sweating.
• With psoriasis on the body and other infectious skin lesions, it is recommended to take baths with moss. To do this, a small amount of it must be cut, pour hot (70-80 ° C), insist and add the resulting infusion to the bathroom.
• Peat water, which you squeeze out after collecting moss, will help in the fight against staphylococcal lesions (continuous washing of the wound must be carried out).
• It is recommended to use it for stuffing baby mattresses, diapers. He is also advised as an excellent tool as a diaper for children, seriously ill and the elderly. They absorb moisture and odors well.

Construction

In construction, sphagnum moss and its properties are also actively used as an environmentally friendly insulation. During the construction of log cabins, it is laid between the logs. Its bactericidal properties will not allow the logs to rot. And during the construction of baths, he will also regulate the differences in humidity.

Gardening

Due to the bactericidal properties of sphagnum, flower growers use it to grow young plants or to save diseased specimens. Hygroscopicity allows you to retain moisture in the substrate. Also, sphagnum moss is also used as a component for the preparation of various substrates (for saintpaulia, gloxinia), and it is especially widely used in the care of orchids.

Using moss to grow young orchid babies:

Sphagnum scalded with hot water, cool and squeeze. Ready liquid mineral fertilizer"Kemira Lux" spill it. If the fertilizer is in dry packaging, we use a 20-gram bag with a concentration of 0.5 g / l. After the strait, we again squeeze it slightly and keep it in a closed plastic bag for 4 days.

To grow roots 5-7 cm long, the orchid must be transplanted every 2 months into freshly prepared, thus sphagnum. When the roots are reached right size, we transplant the plant into a substrate of pine bark.

You can read many more subtleties of orchid care in my new, free book “Orchids. Practical guide. You can download it by following the link.

In the country, you can use this plant as a fertilizer or cover from frost. Peat cups for seedlings, known to all gardeners, are also made from it.

Beekeeping and animal husbandry

Sphagnum moss is used for hygienic purposes in cages with pets: rats, hamsters, guinea pigs. This natural toilet filler will perfectly cope with odors and absorb moisture.

As a natural insulation, it is also used by beekeepers. Placed under the hive, it will remove excess moisture from the hive and disinfect the air, which will save bee family from unwanted diseases.

I think that you have discovered amazing properties white moss. Therefore, when you are in the forest and meet him on your way, be sure to prepare him at least a little for future use.

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Lichens are probably the most unpretentious plants on Earth. They feel great in the hot desert, beyond the Arctic Circle, and high in the mountains. In the north of Russia, the Icelandic centaria lichen grows, it is also the Icelandic moss. People also call him reindeer moss, reindeer moss, lopastyanka, dry forest, birch and hazel grouse moss. It turns out that deer moss contains a lot of substances useful for the human body: starch, gum, filic acid, vitamins A, C, B12, copper, titanium, iron, manganese, nickel, iodine, barium, chromium and many, many others. So medicinal properties of moss difficult to overestimate.

Residents of the northern territories have long treated many diseases with reindeer moss.

For coughs, colds, intestinal problems, stomach and duodenal ulcers, this jelly will help: grind 100 g of fresh moss into small pieces or into powder, pour 1 liter of water and let it brew for 2 hours. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Then drain the water, pour the mixture with half a liter of boiling water and cook for 0.5 hours, strain and cool. This jelly also removes toxins from the body.

Useful medicinal properties of moss for skin wounds, ulcers, boils: 1 tablespoon of dry chopped moss should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 30 minutes over low heat, cool and strain. Do washing and lotion from the decoction 3-4 times a day.

For emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pour 1 tablespoon of dry reindeer moss with 1 glass of milk, boil under the lid, cool and strain. Take hot before bed. And in the morning on an empty stomach, drink an infusion of moss and coltsfoot: mix dry herbs in equal parts, pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.

The healing properties of moss relieve constipation: pour 1 cup of dry crushed reindeer moss into 2 liters of cold water, insist for 1 day, add water to half the volume. Take an infusion of 0.5 - 1 glass before meals 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 10-15 days.

Apply medicinal properties of moss and in home cosmetology. To remove age spots, pour 0.5 cups of boiling water 2 tablespoons of moss, boil for 10 minutes, cool and strain. Take 1/3 cup after meals.

For the treatment of acne, pour 2 tablespoons of dry moss with 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes and let it brew. Take 0.5 cup 3 times a day.

Also medicinal properties of moss They are also excellent in the manufacture of ordinary jelly, marmalade and jelly.

Kissel recipe: wash and boil 3 cups of chopped moss in 1 liter of water for 2 hours. Strain the broth, add the juice of 2 cups of cranberries, 0.5 cups of sugar and bring to a boil. Serve both hot and cold. Other berries can be used instead of cranberries.

Despite all medicinal properties of moss, you should not take the above remedies without consulting a doctor. Don't forget about it! Otherwise, self-treatment can lead to disastrous results.

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Each of us has heard of such a plant as moss. It is rightfully considered the most ancient plants on Earth. Like any other plant, it has its own types and classification. Let's find out together what types of moss exist and what they are used for today.

A special science is engaged in the study of varieties of mosses, including ornamental ones. It's called bryology. With the help of this science, many, once unknown plant species were explored and discovered. Also, gradually, humanity learned the features of the growth of green moss and other types. Unlike other plants, throughout the history of the Earth, this plant has not been modified. In most cases, we know its forest variety. It is sometimes mistakenly confused with lichens. Therefore, in order to avoid such confusion in the future, it is necessary to get to know these plants better. First, let's get acquainted with the so-called general characteristics.

General characteristics of the plant

Mosses are often referred to as low-growing plants. Unlike other plants on our planet, they completely lack a root system. However, this does not at all prevent green mosses from existing and growing. root system they replace rhizoids. Rhizoids, in turn, are called outgrowths of the epidermis. Rhizoids allow mosses to attach themselves to the substrate. The plant receives water through the substrate.

Water is vital for this plant. The resulting water contains useful minerals. These green plants are excellent at surviving the surrounding adverse conditions in nature. In the presence of oppressive conditions, the plant simply falls into suspended animation. In this state, green mosses can successfully live for decades. Anabiosis itself contributes to the cessation of the functioning of life processes.

During their existence, plants themselves have learned to adapt to high and low temperatures. At the same time, it is in dire need of moisture. For this reason, mosses live in wet places. They can be found in different parts of our planet. There are moss gardens. The only environment in which it does not grow is the seas and saline soils. Often it is called an oligotrophic plant. It is found in a wide variety of soils. However, the growth process is very slow and this is perhaps one of its main drawbacks. Animals do not eat these plants. Animal world does not pose a risk to these ornamental plants. Therefore, they are planted everywhere, including in gardens.

Main types

In our time, whole species of mosses are known. Each type has its own characteristics. Let's look at a few types:

• Christmas. The name of forest moss was determined by the shape of its leaves. All of his leaves are shaped like Christmas tree needles. Christmas moss grows slowly. It can grow safely only under special conditions. The temperature for successful growth should not exceed 22 degrees. Outwardly, this view looks very beautiful. And all thanks to its needle leaves, which grow in layers and form excellent compositions;
• fern. The leaves of this species are similar to the leaves of a fern. Therefore, the fern is often confused with moss. Fern is quite dense. It is better for him to grow in the shade. As a rule, a fern species of small stature. Can be used for planting in the garden;
• richia. One of the most common species, which is known throughout the world. Richiya are ball-shaped. This species is completely missing the root and stems. The root, leaves and stem in this case replace the layers of twigs. Moss richia grow successfully under all conditions. For example, he needs good consecration and an aquatic environment. The intensity of consecration affects not only the growth process, but also the color. Under the influence of consecration, the color of richia can be significantly rushed. The standard shade is bright green;
• hypnum moss. It grows on stone, tree trunks, on the ground and on branches. The hypnotic look is in dire need of shade. Although it is able to withstand the sun's attacks. Great for building a variety of garden paths and lawns located in the garden or around the house;
• Key. Like richia, key moss is known to a wide range of people and is distributed almost all over the world. The exception is Australia. Color color key type completely depends on the power of consecration. It may be red or dark green in color. In addition to consecration, color is significantly influenced by the composition of the soil in which it resides. Myself decorative moss consists of stems, on which there are many leaves. The key type does not require supernatural containment;
• Peat. This species is most often found in swamps. It is the swamps that are its main habitat. Peat mosses are rich in different color shades. Shades are red or Green colour. It is often used to maintain the required level of soil moisture in flower pots. In some cases, garden ponds near the house are decorated with them;
• Leptodictium shore. Another type of moss with very interesting name. Its name comes from the stems. Appearance very original. The same stems are located far apart. Their vertical direction gives the plant a real airiness that will not leave anyone indifferent. The coastal species is very difficult to confuse with another species of these plants. Coastal are considered undemanding plants regarding care. Acceptable temperature for it is no more than 28 degrees. He feels good in the water, for example, in a pond near the garden;
• Weeping. This species got its name due to the shape of the structure of its branches. The branches look like weeping willows. The height of such moss is not more than 50 cm. The weeping species comes from China. It was later brought to Europe. The habitat of the plant can be both snags and various pebbles not far from country garden. Optimum temperature for normal life should not exceed 28 degrees;
• dicranum. This species prefers to grow on concrete walls and stones. Today there are several types of dicranum moss. All species differ in shades, as well as the shape of the leaves. Dicranum is low. Its height is 4 cm;
• Javanese. One of the most famous species. Javanese plants are considered the most unpretentious in terms of care. In most cases, they are used in the aquarist. Java moss does not need a certain temperature regime. He feels great in both dark and light waters. Its stems are intertwined. During growth, the stems stretch down;
• Polytrichum vulgaris. This species is used in a wide variety of areas of our lives. He has proven himself well both in medicine and in the field of garden design. Habitual habitats are swamps and forest areas;

All listed moss species are used in different areas and fields of activity. Some people decide to grow their own moss at home. Let's find out how to do it and what advice you should heed.

Features of self-growing moss

Growing moss at home is not difficult, but it requires certain skills and knowledge. Also, some tools should be at hand. For successful cultivation you will need:

• transparent container (such a container can be a round vase or a round thicket);
• blender;
• water, buttermilk or milk.

The process of growing at home consists of several stages. Before growing, it would not hurt to familiarize yourself with the following tips:

1. Before planting, the selected place should be cleaned of dirt, debris and leaves.
2. When preparing a plant for planting, remember that the growing area must match the former habitat of the moss. For example, a plant taken from trees will take root exclusively on a tree. For example, in the garden. It is useless to grow it on the ground.
3. The landing site should not only be similar, but also located in the shade. Continuous exposure to the sun will simply dry it out.
4. The growing medium should be moist and acidic.

Now let's reproduce the growing order.

Stages of planting and growing

For planting, first of all, you need the moss itself. It can be obtained in the forest, in a store or in the yard. Any species that grows in your area can be used as planting material. The taken plant can be either dried or alive. Next, proceed to the preparation for planting:

• two glasses of water together with two glasses of milk are poured into a blender;
• put moss on top of milk and water;
• All ingredients are well beaten. The resulting mixture should resemble a milkshake.

This mixture can be applied to trees, fences, or even foundations.

Landing is desirable to produce in rainy weather. This advice is especially relevant during landing on the ground. The plant must be carefully laid out on the ground (pressing is prohibited), and then saturate with a special nutrient medium. Such a medium is made from fermented kefir and unfiltered beer. When the earth is saturated with an acidic environment, cover the plant with a film. Under these conditions, that is, under the film, it should be until it sticks to the ground.

In addition to earth and trees, moss is planted on stones.

How to grow moss on rock? For landing on a stone, you will need to create a special pasty mixture. Mix two cups of yogurt with a glass of chopped plant. The resulting mixture is applied to the stones by hand or using brushes. The surface of the stone for planting should be rough. Next, the stones are watered with water and covered with earth.

How to care for plants?

Care of planted plants involves monitoring the process of its growth. They need daily watering. Water them at least once a day for three weeks. At the same time, monitor their condition after watering. If the plant began to turn yellow, then you need to water it more than once a day, but two, or even three times. Also, do not forget to maintain moist air under the film. To do this, spray the plants with water. Humid environment - ideal condition for the successful growth of planted plants, including garden ones.

Many beginner flower growers are interested in how to grow moss at home. These emerald fluffy pads do not have a root system, flowers or seeds. To grow and develop comfortably, they need high humidity and very little lighting. All nutrients bryophytes are taken from the water during irrigation, absorbing moisture with their entire surface.

Why grow moss at home

Thanks to these tiny moss-like pillows, you can create unusual, original living compositions at home with your own hands, which are part of landscape design. You can also make mini-gardens, beautiful landscapes. With their help, any dwelling is decorated, one feels unity with wildlife.

Together with moss, ferns and other indoor plants are grown to create original compositions, which go well with bryophyte.

Features of growing bryophytes

Growing such an unusual plant is not difficult at all. And care does not represent special time and financial costs. For these purposes, you can take any container that is at hand.

So, the container chosen for planting is covered at the bottom with small pebbles. It is better to take pebbles or expanded clay, no larger than peas. Thanks to this drainage layer, stagnation can be prevented and aeration increased.

Next, granulated coal is taken, lined with a second ball on top of the stones. The last layer is a special substrate, which is sold at specialized points of sale. You can also take the usual soil substrate for indoor plants.

Next, carefully lower the moss onto the soil substrate prepared in advance and irrigated with water. After planting in the first few days, daily wetting of the plant is recommended. After a while, when adaptation takes place, the active phase of moss growth will begin.

Basic requirements for the care of a bryophyte

Irrigation is carried out, focusing on the soil layer. If it dries out, you need to moisturize. Moss does not like excess liquid. If its color becomes much darker, it is recommended to reduce the amount and frequency of irrigation.

By the way, you can irrigate such a plant from a small watering can or by drilling holes in the lid plastic bottle. The optimal interval between moistening after the end of the adaptation period is once every three to five days.

Tiny mossy pads love cool air, high humidity, partially created lighting. They do not tolerate direct sunlight. It is recommended to install a container with such a plant in a semi-dark corridor, near the aquarium.

This plant is perfect for the office. A bryophyte will only need two hours of indirect sunlight per day for normal growth and development. Thanks to the right lighting, their emerald hue becomes even more saturated.

We create compositions

Small pads of moss will perfectly complement the surface of a tree or large pebbles. You can fix it using a thin fishing line or nylon thread, or simply grow a layer of moss on the surface of the pebbles. To do this, sprinkle a small amount of soil and fix the moss between the stones.

Not quite used as a fertilizer for moss standard means- beer and kefir. You can mix these ingredients together with a mixer or blender, add every few days.

Thanks to such an unusual top dressing, the plant will receive all the necessary positive vitamins, micro and macro elements, with the help of which its growth will be enhanced. Irrigation should be carried out no more than three times during the week.

Thanks to such tiny unusual plants, you can create unusual live collages with your own hands, with the help of which each apartment will become unusual.

And if you mix several varieties of bryophytes on the same surface at the same time, after their combination and growth, you can get an amazing composition of different shades and colors - ranging from red to bright emerald.

At right approach to the selection, planting, care of moss, you can easily grow such an original plant at home that will become a real highlight among other indoor plants.

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