Overview of Candelariella Epixantha
Candelariella epixantha, formerly known as Candelariella placodizans or Placopsis placodizans, is a lichenized species belonging to the family Candelariaceae. It is commonly found in arctic and alpine regions and is widely distributed across North America and Europe.
Common Names
Candelariella epixantha is commonly known as the green candelaria.
Appearance
The thallus of this lichen is characterized by its small, crustose, and vivid greenish-yellow to olive-green colored thallus with pale to dark greenish-yellow apothecia. It forms small patches, typically around 4-10mm in size, on the surface of soil or rock.
Candelariella epixantha lacks cortex, and the thallus is often covered with lime deposits, giving it a powdery texture. It can be easily distinguished from other species by its bright green thallus and pale green, often plentiful, apothecia.
Uses
As with many lichens, Candelariella epixantha has historically been used for its medicinal properties. It contains usnic acid, which has antiviral and antibiotic properties and has been used to treat infections and inflammation.
Despite being a relatively small and inconspicuous species, Candelariella epixantha plays an important role in the ecology of its habitat. It contributes to soil formation, helps regulate nutrient cycling, and serves as a key food source for many organisms, including caribou and reindeer.
Light Requirements
Candelariella epixantha typically grows in environments with varying levels of light intensity. However, it prefers partially-shaded areas with direct sunlight exposure for a few hours daily.
Temperature Conditions
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Candelariella epixantha is between 10°C and 25°C. It can tolerate low temperatures and even survives under snow. However, high temperatures above 30°C may adversely affect its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Candelariella epixantha mostly thrives in nutrient-deficient soil such as sandy soils with a low pH between 4.5 to 6.5. However, it can also survive in alkaline soils. The plant can tolerate dry soil conditions but performs well in damp soils with good drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Candelariella Epixantha
Candelariella epixantha is an interesting and unique plant that requires some special attention to grow well. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it needs the right conditions to thrive. Here are a few tips on how to cultivate Candelariella epixantha.
First, make sure to plant your Candelariella epixantha in well-draining soil. If the soil is too wet and heavy, it can harm the plant's growth. Also, it is important to place the plant in an area where it can receive enough sunlight, but not too much. It is recommended to keep the plant in a bright, indirect light area.
Next, Candelariella epixantha needs a specific temperature and humidity range to grow properly. It is advised to keep the temperature range between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity range between 40% to 60%. These ranges offer the perfect conditions for the plant to flourish.
Watering Needs for Candelariella Epixantha
Watering is an essential part of caring for Candelariella epixantha. The plant needs regular watering, but it is important not to over-water or under-water it.
To avoid over-watering, it is recommended to let the topsoil dry out before giving it more water. When watering, make sure to thoroughly saturate the entire root ball without letting the plant sit in standing water. Keeping the soil too wet can cause root rot and harm the plant. However, it is crucial not to let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization of Candelariella Epixantha
Candelariella epixantha requires occasional fertilization to keep it healthy and thriving. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer twice a year, once during the spring and once during the fall.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Also, to avoid damaging the plant, always fertilize when the soil is moist, and not dry or wet.
Pruning of Candelariella Epixantha
Pruning Candelariella epixantha is not entirely necessary, but can help to keep the plant aesthetically pleasing and healthy. The plant's branches can grow long and look untidy, so it is advised to remove any dead or damaged branches to help the plant grow better.
Also, if the plant is growing indoors, it is recommended to shape it into a more compact and bushy form. To do so, trim the tips of the branches once a year. But be cautious and avoid removing too much of the plant, as it can damage it.
Propagation of Candelariella epixantha
Candelariella epixantha is commonly known as golden candle moss and is a species of lichen. It is prevalent in North America and is used in various industries, including the production of antibiotics, dyes, and perfumes. The propagation of Candelariella epixantha can be done through several methods such as fragmentation and vegetative propagation.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is the most common method of propagation for Candelariella epixantha. In this method, the lichen is fragmented into smaller pieces and is then attached to the substrate. This can be done by placing the fragments of the lichen onto the desired substrate and pressing them gently. The substrate must be moist, and the temperature should be maintained between 10-20 °C.
Vegetative propagation
In vegetative propagation, the lichen is propagated using vegetative parts such as thallus or fragments of its reproductive structures. In this method, the parent lichen is cut into several pieces, and these pieces are then used to cultivate new lichens. The vegetative parts are placed onto the moist substrate, and the temperature is kept between 10-20 °C.
Both of these methods are relatively easy to perform and can provide a good yield of new lichens. It is important to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity levels for successful propagation. Also, it should be kept in mind that the substrate should be compatible with the species being cultivated. Overall, proper care and attention are required to ensure successful propagation of Candelariella epixantha.
Disease Management
Candelariella epixantha can suffer from various fungal diseases, including leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew.
To manage fungal diseases, remove infected plant material and improve air circulation by pruning overcrowded branches. Avoid watering the foliage and instead water the soil directly. Applying a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions can also be effective in controlling fungal growth.
Pest Management
The main pest that affects Candelariella epixantha is spider mites. These pests can cause significant damage to the foliage of the plant.
To manage spider mite infestations, use a strong blast of water to wash off the mites from the plant. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests. It is essential to repeat the treatment every few days until the infestation is under control. To prevent further infestations, keep the plant well-watered and avoid overcrowding it with other plants.
