in layman's lingo, the AAAAA has longer strands, it is fluffier and it's prettier when viewed from the top. I use it very sparingly as sphagnum moss is a virtual death sentence to many of my plants...especially at this time of year when nearly all of my orchids are outside.

one wealthy Californian well-known to eBay buyers, uses high quality sphagnum and the plants thrive, even in Maryland through tropical storm conditions!

--Stitz--

I use SM on the cloud forest plants and the Bulbos. Replace it once a year religiously. Near the end of it's life it gets soggy and compact. Fluffier sounds like better water drainage and less compaction. I might try it for one year, that bale will last me a year so really not that big a price to pay if it's better. Prettier I don't care about.

Nick

I use SM for almost all of my 145 chids, including Ctsms, Bulbos, Phals, not the Dens or Catts. Just checked and nowhere on my 3K bale is there a rating but I'm VERY happy with it and it DOES say premium. It will have lasted a year in November and I've still got 1/4 left. Got it from a local vendor for $100.

Orchids Limited is just up the road, and Jason Fisher uses what he calls their 4A sphag to sculpt Neos.

From their site:

"AAAA Level 4 Sphagnum Moss - Japan Import for Neofinetia

"The AAAA grade sphagnum moss is one of the nicest grades you can get for sculpting. The Japanese prefer thin, long strands of moss in order to sculpt more proficiently and artistically. This is the moss used for showing top prize Fuukiran, or Neofinetia falcata. The bags sold should be enough to sculpt 10 to 15 Fuukiran (depending on the size). Lightly soak with water, then carefully pull out the long strands. It is compressed, so add water before trying to separate to pull out the longest strands.

"This moss is actually sold to us as 5A, but from our experience this is really a mix of 4 and 5A moss. 5A was generally hand picked and loose layered in 100 gram increments in plastic bags. This is no longer the case, which is why we call this moss 4A. You will get more 5A strands in larger packages of this moss."

I've always used the AAA grade for my 40+ orchids, changing it yearly. The humidity's 12-20+%, except for 3-4 months, and the plants seem to like it.

Here is a link that might be useful: AAAA Sphag, Orchids Limited

Chryss, interesting variety you have in sphag. My 10 Dens are in it, too. Also the Phals, Neos, Encyclias, & Habs. 'Course, there is that low RH factor -

I finally ran out of moss and decided to re-order. Lo and behold, the AAAAA SUPREME QUALITY in the 3kg bale for $99 is no longer available. I talked to them and was told that this item sold out days after it was listed. They could not unpack it fast enough. Obviously people found that attractive and I was too late. Oh well, next time.

Nick

An excellent and affordable source for fine sphagnum moss.

www.acadianwholesale.com

Nick, adding bark has kept sphag from compacting as much in my conditions. Dunno if it'd help in yours. I've gone as high as 20%.

I do the same for pots 4.5" and larger. My ratio in 5" and above is more like 30 - 40% bark.

Hey has anyone noticed that the double lined green words are ads ??? Who is doing that ?? Stitz is "high quality", and leisurely is "affordable" ! Just rest your mouse on the word and you'll see the pop-up preview, click on it and it takes you there !

WHAT GIVES ????

I'm doing about the same as chryss is and so far I love what I see in my orchids!

"Stitz is "high quality"

thank you, Chryss!