Kinda Dumb Question! Sphag Moss+Hydrating...How?

[emmajs243]

Ok I know sounds really dumb...but I've never hydrated sphagnum moss before or actually used it period besides unpotting a plant from it! So now I have some nice AAAA NZ moss I need to use it for a sick Phal.

So obviously, you soak it in water. I want just enough to wrap around my Phals rootball who was potted in only a 3-3&1/2" pot and many roots had to Be trimmed away so not a huge root ball. How in the world do I know how much I need? Is it safe to somewhat compare a dry clump to a hydrated clump or would that give me way to much? How long does it normally take to be fully hydrated approximately? Are we talking days of soaking or just a few hours or like 30 minutes?

Also, I came by an article talking about needing to sterilize your moss so other plants/weeds don't become active and grow in it but that will also kill the beneficial bacteria too..Do I need to sterilize AAAA NZ moss? Is this something I should just always do with all moss no matter how high quality or should it be ok??

Lastly, when soaking my moss is it ok/beneficial to soak it with water and like kelpmax or another type of boosting supplement? Especially since this is for a plant that is struggling to grow new roots??

I know silly questions! I am just sitting here with this dry chunk of moss and wondering the best way to go about it!

If I do hydrate it and end up with too much...is there anyway to store it without it becoming moldy or bad? Is my only option to try and find a use for it?