I was wondering if anyone has poured boiling water over used sphagnum to kill any spores lurking? 

I'm thinking of trying it.  In the move, I lost a few cuttings because the sphagnum got dry or something, and I'd like to make it work again.

I have read so many have had success with cinnamon, I thought maybe I'll kill the spores with boiling water.   Fluff till damp, then roll cuttings in cinnamon prior to rooting them in the baggies with the refreshed sphagnum.

Anyone done this with success?  Failure?

Suzi

Boiling water would most likely kill the anti-mold qualities of spahnam moss. I reuse mine if it doesn't have mold. It it starts to get mold I throw it out, wash the cuttings, and get new spagnam. 

A couple years ago Gina did this with fresh Sphagnum.  She feared what else was in there besides the moss.  It worked fine for her, and I wondered about that anti-mold quality also, thus the cinnamon.

I'm listening!

Suzi

I have re used the same sphagnum moss multiple times without sterilizing it or treating it and have not had any problems. This past year I used one batch of moss for cuttings, some air layers and then I am reusing it again this year and have not had any mold issues. The only problem I have had is that the fibers start to break up and get a lot shorter.

I did not pour boiling water over it - doubt that would work because of not uniform heat. I put moist moss in the microwave to sanitize.

That said, I generally don't root cuttings in s. moss, but prefer to handle them as little as possible - I root directly in the medium (half commercial mix, half perlite) in which they will grow until there is a root ball sturdy enough to transplant into gallon pots.

Gina, how long did you microwave?  TY!

Suzi

People don't reuse the moss? Haha. I have been rooting different batches of cuttings in the same moss since October and just adding water when it dries out. Maybe I was lucky!

HA! I just dumped my bin today in the woods after about 5 mos. of reuse. It had little bugs in it (super tiny white critters..mites?). Planning on microwaving the new moss from the rest of a bag that has been in the garage since September. Don't want to chance losing any of my spring cuttings...esp. to bugs that I have yet to even properly identify.

I have used the same Moss for about 4 months with no major problems. Yes, I've had a little mold, but you can get that in "New Moss" if it has too much moisture. Hope this helps : )