This is observed by others too.

See here:
http://www.spacareonline.com/Page/AltCare/spas_moss.html

They use Sphagnum moss for cleaner spar and hot tub.

"sphagnum moss exudes or leaches (think of a tea bag leaching out the "tea") a substance that is antimicrobial in nature (think of green tea & its antioxidants) and that antimicrobial action prevents bacteria, mold & fungus from growing and reproducing."

If sphagnum moss got you through step one of the rooting process, then I think that is just wonderful. It's great to see those sticks come alive isn't it? Hopefully, your success will continue as you move them through the following steps of the rooting process.

Dan
Cajun fig hunter........

Dan's right about how good it feels to see those sticks turn into something alive. I also have a few cuttings in baggies with sphagnum. One of our generous members sent me some cuttings wrapped in some so I split it into two baggies and put some cuttings to root. None have shown growth yet while other in paper towels started at the same time are showing swelling buds and initials. Time will tell.

From the bayou,
"gene"

The purpose of the moist paper towel in the baggie method is to hydrate the cutting with the "water vapor" that the moist paper towel generates. You don't want to have conditions in your baggie where your newspaper or paper towel wastes its moisture in hydrating the sphagnum moss instead of the cutting. A bagged cutting which does not have enough moisture in it will greatly delay the rooting process......there is a such thing as not enough moisture. Too much can cause mold and rot....not enough moisture reaching the cutting can keep it dormant.

I use the Improved Baggie Method which recognizes the importance of controlling BOTH moisture (humidity) and TEMPERATURE control in rooting those sticks. I use plain ole paper towels and have not seen the need to use either newspaper or sphagnum moss and have established a very high success rate of turning sticks into trees. I have no problems with mold whatsoever. Failure to clean cuttings properly and/or by not utilizing steps specifically designed to help maintain both moisture and temperature control can cause mold and rot to occur.....thereby lowering your final success rate.

The best rooting method is the one that works well for you and to your satisfaction....for me that is the already proven Improved Baggie Method. That method also gives specific recommendations for the next steps in the rooting process which are more important to the final success rate of turning sticks into trees.

Dan
Cajun fig hunter.......

I had mold issues with both paper towels in baggies and sphagnum moss (it and the cutting molded). I switched to putting them in cups as I get the cuttings. I have done some in 1/2 sphagnum and 1/2 vermiculite and the rest is sphagnum/ potting mix. They seem to be rooting.

Mine are in plastic boxes (no lid on). I keep them in the shower. It has the benefits of all the humidity in the bathroom, they get checked everyday and I have no other place to keep them.

Lisa

......best of luck to you too Lisa in your experiments. Whatever method produces new fig trees for you is great. That's what it's all about.

Dan
Geaux Tigers......