Some common components include peat, bark, coconut fiber, vermiculite, perlite and sand. Soil polymers Super absorbent polymers recently developed that can increase water retention of soils. They can absorb hundreds of time their weight in water and are primarily used in container bound plants. An analysis of the soil used to diagnose soil type, pH, and any nutrient deficiencies that may exist. Can be done by commercial soil laboratories or your local cooperative extension.
Some nurseries have soil-test kits available that can indicate certain specific problems.
Sphagnum moss Various mosses native to bogs are sphagnum. Spore A reproductive cell of nonflowering plants, such as ferns. Stem A branch of a cane, emerging from a bud eye and bearing leaves and at least one flower. Stopping The removal of the growing tip of a plant to induce the production of sideshoots or the formation of flower heads. The storage of seeds in warm or cold conditions to break dormancy and aid germination.