Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 7/25/2011

Question
I've read that Sphagnum peat moss can potentially harbor a fungal disease called sporotrichosis.

Should I (or do you ever yourselves) take any kind of precaution when working with this soil?  I know that common sense should prevail with gloves and hand washing afterwards but this makes me a little uneasy.

I have a few sundews, a pitcher plant, and a venus fly trap that I wish to move to a larger container and was wondering what you guys think about this?


Thanks.

Answer
Hi Akira,

The nickname for Sporotrichosis is "Rosarian's Disease" since it was most commonly seen in rose gardeners.  The fungal spores need an open wound to enter, and all of the puncture wounds common from working with roses provide the entry.  From what I understand, the fungus is common in soil, and sphagnum moss can carry it.  With a little common sense the danger is very low of contracting it.  Use gloves and be careful if you have any cuts on your hands.  Here's more information:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporotrichosis

If all your plants are in small pots, such as 3" pots, they will benefit from being in larger pots.  We have extensive information in our DVD series on our website on repotting such as soil mixing and how to repot.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com