Origin
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve is a plant species that belongs to the family Selaginellaceae. It is native to North America and commonly found in the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve is commonly known as the fan clubmoss or mountain clubmoss. It is also referred to as Diphasium flabelliforme.
Uses
This plant species has various uses in traditional medicine. It is popularly known for its astringent properties and has been used to stop bleeding and heal wounds. Additionally, it has been used in tea form to treat urinary tract infections and bladder problems. The plant also has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
General Appearance
The Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve plant is a small perennial herb that is typically 10-15 cm in height. It has a creeping habit and forms dense mats on the ground. The plant has green needle-like leaves that are arranged in a fan-like pattern. The leaves are flattened and are typically about 1 cm long. The plant has no flowers, but develops sporangia on specialized leaves that are arranged in cone-like structures.
Light Requirements
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve thrives in partially shaded to shaded areas. It can grow under direct sunlight, but it usually grows better in spots that receive diffused light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve is 26-28°C (78.8-82.4°F) during the day and 18-20°C (64.4-68°F) at night. It can tolerate lower temperatures down to 10°C (50°F) but growth may slow down in these conditions. If exposed to temperatures above 30°C (86°F), the plant may become stressed, and the foliage may become discolored or wilted.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in soil that has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve can tolerate occasional droughts but it thrives best in consistently moist soil. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot and cause the plant to die. The plant can also grow in different types of soil at varying altitudes.
Cultivation Methods
The Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve is a relatively easy plant to grow and cultivate. It prefers a humid environment and does best when planted in well-drained soil. You can plant it in a container or directly in the ground, but it should be placed in an area with partial shade or filtered sun.
When planting in a container, use a pot with drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix that is high in organic matter. Place the plant in the pot, and ensure that the soil covers the plant's roots. Water the plant thoroughly, and place it in a humid location that gets indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve requires consistent moisture, but it does not like to sit in water. Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is always moist but not waterlogged. If you notice that the top layer of the soil is dry, it's time to water.
During the winter, reduce watering but keep the soil moist. Do not let the soil dry out completely, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Feed Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Use a diluted solution to avoid damaging the plant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package. During the winter, reduce fertilization to once a month.
Pruning
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged fronds as soon as possible to avoid disease and pests. Trim any excess growth that may spill over the sides of the container, or trim the base of the plant if necessary.
If the plant becomes too large for the container, you can transplant it to a larger pot. However, limit transplantation to once a year, as frequent transplantation can cause damage to the plant's roots.
Propagation Methods of Diphasium Complanatum
Diphasium complanatum (L.) Rothm. ssp. flabelliforme (Fern.) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as Spreading Clubmoss, is a creeping perennial plant that belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family. Propagation of Diphasium complanatum can be done through spores or division of rhizomatous stems.
Propagation by Spores
Propagation of Diphasium complanatum by spores can be done using spore capsules. Spores are collected from mature spore capsules when they turn yellow and are released. Sow the spores in a well-draining and moist soil mix with a low pH (5-5.5). Keep the soil moist and covered with plastic or a propagator to keep it humid. Provide indirect sunlight to allow for photosynthesis and for the spores to grow. After germination, it will take several years to develop into a mature plant.
Propagation by Division of Rhizomatous Stems
Propagation of Diphasium complanatum can also be done by division of rhizomatous stems. Dividing rhizomes is an easy and effective propagation method that produces identical plants to the parent plant. To undertake this method, carefully dig up the plant and cut the rhizomatous stem into smaller sections. Make sure that each section has at least one shoot or bud. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix with a low pH (5-5.5) and keep it moist. Provide indirect sunlight and allow the plant to grow.
Disease Management
There aren't many diseases that have been reported to affect Diphasium complanatum ssp. flabelliforme. However, it's important to monitor the plant for signs of infection or infestation and take immediate action to manage the problem.
Common Diseases
One disease that may affect Diphasium complanatum ssp. flabelliforme is leaf spot. This fungal disease appears as small, circular spots on the foliage and can cause discoloration and eventual leaf drop. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected plant debris and using a fungicide as directed. Another disease that may affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, be sure to provide adequate drainage and avoid watering excessively.
Pest Management
Diphasium complanatum ssp. flabelliforme is generally a hardy and pest-resistant plant. However, there are a few pests that may cause problems and should be monitored for.
Common Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites are known to infest this plant and can cause damage to the foliage. Mealybugs are small, white insects that may appear as a cottony mass on the plant's leaves or stem. Spider mites are very tiny and may not be visible to the naked eye. They create tiny webs across the foliage and can cause discoloration and noticeable damage. Both pests can be managed by washing the plant with a strong jet of water or using an insecticidal soap or oil spray.
