Trimming Live Sphagnum in Bogs: Benefits and Seeding Drosera rotundifolia

Moss

Moss

Hi Jeff,

I know you answered my previously about this topic, but new growth is imminent for my CP's. Pinguicula vulgaris is growing already, Sarracenia flowers coming out.

As a last “optimization” I was thinking if it is worth trimming the moss height a bit? On the first picture you can see a Drosera hibernaculum between the Sarracenia, it is still fine, but as for picture #2 (flytrap deep in moss), I am afraid that moss might grow further during the season and trimming might be more difficult when plants are growing…

Merci!

JP

Answer

Hi JP,

Having good Sphagnum moss growth is a good problem to have. I will often just pull the moss away round plants that are getting overgrown, then use that moss somewhere else. Trimming is fine too. Also, I would be diligent about removing any non-sphagnum mosses and grasses. They can take over fast, especially the grasses.

Since you have nice Sphagnum moss growth you try sowing some Drosera rotundifolia seeds this Autumn around your bog if you don't have them there already. They love growing in live Sphagnum, and are a lovely little CP weed to have in any outdoor collection. You should even have them native in Germany.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
https://www.growcarnivorousplants.com