Overview
Candelariella medians (Nyl.) Sm. is a lichen species that belongs to the family Candelariaceae and is commonly known as the median goldspeck lichen. This plant species is found all over the world and is characterized by its yellow or yellow-orange color.Appearance
The Candelariella medians lichen species has a crustose thallus that ranges from yellow to yellow-orange in color. Its surface is generally smooth, but it may have some small pimples on it. This lichen species is about 1-2 cm in diameter.Uses
Consisting of two species that grow on soil, C. medians is known to be used in the management and control of soil erosion. It also contributes to the maintenance of soil fertility since it aids in preventing soil erosion.Origin
Candelariella medians (Nyl.) Sm. is a universal lichen that is found on the ground and in soil in both boreal and temperate regions. The plant is native to North America, Europe, and Africa.Common names
The common name of Candelariella medians (Nyl.) Sm. is the median goldspeck lichen.Light Requirements
Candelariella medians typically grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade, but more productive growth occurs in areas with sufficient light. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive at least several hours of sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Candelariella medians is a cold-loving plant and can tolerate subarctic to alpine environments. It can grow in regions with temperatures of between -10°C and 20°C. The ideal temperature range for the plant's growth is 2°C to 15°C. In warmer temperatures, it tends to slow its growth or stop growing altogether. On the other hand, excessive cold temperatures can cause the plant to become dormant.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained and nutrient-poor soils with low organic matter content. Therefore, it prefers soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and a low nitrogen content. The soil should have a sandy or gravelly texture with a high proportion of mineral particles. Furthermore, it has been found to grow best on the surface of rocks, stones, and gravel, stretched out on the ground or in mud.
Cultivation Methods
Candelariella medians is a lichen that primarily grows on rocks, but it can also thrive in well-draining soil. To grow Candelariella medians, you can use sterilized soil mixed with small rocks and other well-draining materials. The plant prefers a slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Watering Needs
Candelariella medians is drought tolerant and does not need frequent watering. The plant can survive long periods without water as it absorbs moisture from the air. However, when grown in a pot or container, it is essential to water it occasionally to ensure the soil does not dry out completely. Water the plant sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Candelariella medians does not require regular fertilization. The lichen obtains nutrients from the air and does not need additional nutrients. However, you can fertilize the plant once or twice a year during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Use a weak solution of the fertilizer and apply it sparingly to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Candelariella medians does not need regular pruning as it does not have leaves or stems that require trimming. However, it is essential to remove dead or damaged tissue to prevent diseases and infections. You can use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors to cut back any affected areas. Avoid cutting deep into the thallus as it can damage the growth points.
Propagation for Candelariella medians
Candelariella medians (Nyl.) Sm. is a lichen. It is a composite organism consisting of a fungus and one or more algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens generally grow slowly and steadily, so propagating them from cuttings is not viable.
Propagation Methods for Candelariella medians
The main method of propagating this lichen is by spores. Candelariella medians produces spores, which can be dispersed by wind or water. The spores then settle on a suitable surface and begin to grow.
Lichens can also reproduce through fragmentation. Fragments break off the parent lichen and grow into new individuals. However, fragmentation is not a reliable method for propagation because it requires a suitable substrate and environmental conditions for growth.
Another method for propagating lichens is by culturing thalli. Thalli are the vegetative bodies of lichens. They can be grown in petri dishes on a suitable substrate and under the right environmental conditions, such as controlled temperature, light and humidity.
Conclusion
The most effective way to propagate Candelariella medians is through spores. Culturing thalli is also a viable method, but it requires specific equipment and environmental conditions. Fragmentation is a less reliable way of propagating the lichen.
Disease Management
Candelariella medians (Nyl.) Sm. is not generally affected by severe diseases. However, certain conditions may lead to the appearance of foliar diseases such as leaf spot diseases or powdery mildew. These diseases are caused by fungal pathogens that can infect the plant leaves causing yellowing, discoloration, curling, and distortion. To manage these diseases, it is important to remove and destroy all the diseased tissues and consider applications of fungicides.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Candelariella medians (Nyl.) Sm. may be at risk of damage from certain pests that can have a serious impact on plant health in severe cases. One common pest that affects this plant is spider mites. Spider mites tend to appear in warm and dry environmental conditions that may cause the leaves to become dry and brittle. To manage spider mites, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can be effective options. Additionally, removing any infected leaves can also help to control their spread. Apart from spider mites, slugs and snails can also be a problem for the plant. They munch holes in the leaves and leave slimy trails behind. To manage these, consider applying insecticides, using traps, or manually removing them.
