Long Fiber Sphagnum Moss is like it sounds, long thin fibery strands. It has a head on one end and that is the part that sticks up out of the bog and grows. Only the top few inches are alive, the rest stretches deep into the bog and slowly decomposes. New Zealand Long Fiber Sphagnum Moss holds 20 - 25 times its weight in water. Other LFSM's hold 10 - 15 times their weight. It can be added to the soil of most any carnivorous plant at typically 20-40% to help with water retention. Most often it is used as a top dressing to aid with humidity. It is also used to line the bottom of drainage pots to keep the soil in place.

Most carnivorous plants can be grown in 100% long fiber sphagnum moss. Some prefer it, a couple need it. I no longer recommend this (I used to) for environmental reasons. If you use 100% lfsm make sure it does not compact. You want it to stay loose and airy. Water less often too as the water retention is very high.

Mass use of Long Fiber Sphagnum moss isn't good on the environment. Natural Bogs are generally in protected areas and it takes a long time for a bog to recover after harvesting. With demand sky rocketing upward at the very least you can expect prices to keep going up. We use LFSM mainly as a top dressing and very little is needed. When needed as a soil additive we substitute LFSM with Coconut Husk. The New Zealand Long Fiber Sphagnum Moss we get comes from environmentally responsible companies. After harvesting a bog they prep it to help it get going again, and do not over harvest the area.

Make sure you are buying long fiber sphagnum moss from someone reputable. Some companies package other mosses, deadly to cp's, as LFSM. Our LFSM comes from New Zealand, and is HIGH quality. It looks better than most because it is better than most. Better water retention, longer usage before decomposition, easier to grow (in wet shady locations) and resists mold better. No sticks and twigs, just good ol' LFSM. Generally needs replaced after a couple of years. Live LFSM can cause problems, you should research the subject before growing it in mass quantities.

LFSM is easy to find in some areas, but purchase only from reputable stores or you could end up with some other kind of moss. NEVER EVER PURCHASE FROM A CRAFT STORE! High Quality New Zealand LFSM like we sell is not readily available in most areas.