Bog orchids

[terrestrial_man]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Bog in a tub, fascinating! Show us more.

Ok Tindo,
click this> Evolution of the bog

[Toddybear]

My definition of a bog comes from those in northern areas. Our real bogs are deep deposits of peat upon bedrock. The bogs are actually domed in the middle so there is no run-off from neighbouring mineral soils (unlike our fens) so indeed, nutrients come only from rainwater and any materails dissolved in it....except for the occasional passing moose! Bogs in more south-central areas of the USA are VERY different from the bogs of Canada and around northern Michigan. We would consider yours VERY rich in regards to plants and nutrients.

[Tindomul]

Hi Tman,
That journal is great. In fact Im gonna send the link to my botany professor who wants to make a bog garden himself. I have a little ten gallon tank with lots of sphag that is turning green, I've got leatherleaf growing in it, and some grass like plants are poping out all over. I keep the tank indoors under some T5 lights, very bright and warm. I use distilled water to replenish water.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Toddybear

My definition of a bog comes from those in northern areas. Our real bogs are deep deposits of peat upon bedrock. The bogs are actually domed in the middle so there is no run-off from neighbouring mineral soils (unlike our fens) so indeed, nutrients come only from rainwater and any materails dissolved in it....except for the occasional passing moose! Bogs in more south-central areas of the USA are VERY different from the bogs of Canada and around northern Michigan. We would consider yours VERY rich in regards to plants and nutrients.

Todd, I am VERY glad for this clarification! I know from experience the "bogs" of New York State are VERY much different from the "bogs" here in Michigan. Our bedrock is non-existent (at least in surface-terms) and it is not un-common to have 200-300 feet of alluvial sands. Any wetlands (or "bogs") are a result of clay "lens's" over the sand. This is, apparently, different from the limestone bog areas of other areas, I presume. We have an abundance of orchids in our bogs, such as Spiranthes, but our "bogs" are not "sterile" or acid like others.

[terrestrial_man]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Hi Tman,
That journal is great. In fact Im gonna send the link to my botany professor who wants to make a bog garden himself. I have a little ten gallon tank with lots of sphag that is turning green, I've got leatherleaf growing in it, and some grass like plants are poping out all over. I keep the tank indoors under some T5 lights, very bright and warm. I use distilled water to replenish water.

Thanks Tindo!
How deep is your sphagnum?
If it is deep enough you can get some net pots and cram the long fibers into the pot and then sit it so that water covers the lower 1/2 to 1/4 and then plant a bog orchid in it. I recommend Spiranthes but it depends on how hot your air temp is in the aquarium. I recommend Spiranthes as it tends to be tolerant of high light. I have the common S. cernua Chadds .... variety which may be a polypoid and it is on my back porch roof and gets alot of direct sun except during midday. The plant looks like s - - - but it has flowered for me. Check my journal on Jewel Orchids for pics.
Happy Growing!!!

[Tindomul]

I'm afraid its not very thick/deep. Only 4 to 5 inches. Temps I suppose are in the low 80's, and very bright. Its an open top, so evaoporation happens very quickly, and I keep filling it with water two or three times a week.

[terrestrial_man]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

I'm afraid its not very thick/deep. Only 4 to 5 inches. Temps I suppose are in the low 80's, and very bright. Its an open top, so evaoporation happens very quickly, and I keep filling it with water two or three times a week.

Actually that is deep enough but you would have to pile a layer on top of a layer
but my hunch says that now is not the time!
I am going to presume it is a native sphagnum and not the NZ species. If I am right then you have it too hot. It probably is acting on summer mode. You can grow it under the lights but not in the aquarium. All you need is a deep container-I am partial to the food storage ones or even one of those plastic shoe boxes. You would need a tray to set the box on to catch any water spills. Set in the coolest room you have and set up the same lights, maybe add a small fan to blow across the moss to help cool it. I would try to keep the temps in the 60s but the range can be from the 30s to the 70s. At this time our lows are in the low 30s but the moss can definitely handle that. If the moss is happy it will grow over the edge of the box!!!
I generally mist my bog daily, during this time of year at least twice depending on the temps and the presence of wind. During summer could be every 2 hours or more frequently depending on the temps and wind. This is a tough moss so don't spoil it!

[Tindomul]

Thanks for the advice. I'll see what I can do. Hmmmmm. I would love to grow more sphag. Yes, the sphag is native to NY.

[Tindomul]

Here are some pics of my Bog tank. Its not pretty, but its alive!!!


The woody plant there is called Leatherleaf, and is know for its ability to hold sphagnum bogs together with its interconnected root system.
A closer look

The thickness of the Sphagnum layer.

And bunch of these guys have popped up through the moss in the last few months. Haven't a clue what they are. Maybe some kind of sedge. This is the biggest one of the them:

Hope you like, and can ID the plant maybe? Thanks! Suggestions tips welcome!

[terrestrial_man]

Hello Tindo!
Looks like you have a classroom project going there? Or have you taken your "bog" to class?

Great images. Helps me see what is happening with your "bog".

Here is a link that might help id the plant

Plant Guides - New York Natural Heritage Program

I have no idea what it is. California has different species. I would have to guess some kind of cyperus species but ????