Overview
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. is a type of horsetail plant that is native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant is commonly known by a variety of names, including field horsetail, common horsetail, and shavegrass.
Appearance
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Equisetaceae family. The plant grows up to a height of around 50-100 cm. It has a thin, green, unbranched stem, which is covered in small ridges and hollow segments. The leaves of the plant are small and scale-like, and they grow in whorls around the stem.
Uses
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant contains high levels of silica, which makes it an effective remedy for a variety of health issues, such as bone health, hair loss, and skin conditions. It is also believed to have diuretic properties and can be used for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. In addition, the plant can also be used as an astringent and hemostatic agent to stop nosebleeds and cuts. The plant is also used in farmer's fields to control weed growth
Overall, Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. is a versatile plant that has a variety of uses in traditional medicine and farming.Growth Conditions of Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr.
Light: Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. prefers to grow in partial to full shade. It can tolerate some amount of direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves and stems.
Temperature: The plant grows best in areas with cool temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. In colder areas, the plant can go dormant in winter and sprout again in spring.
Soil: Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. grows well in loam and clay soils. However, it can adapt to many soil types as long as they are moist and well-draining. The soil pH should be in the range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Moisture: The plant requires consistently moist soil. It can tolerate some amount of dryness, but it will not grow well in waterlogged soil. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.
Nutrients: Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. does not require a lot of nutrients to grow. However, it benefits from a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can cause the stems to become weak and floppy.
Cultivation Methods
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. is commonly known as the field horsetail and can be grown in both indoor and outdoor environments. The plant prefers moist soil and can thrive in various soil types, including sandy, clay, or loamy soils. It can be propagated through spores or rhizomes and needs at least six hours of sunlight daily.
When cultivating this plant, it is advisable to use a highly permeable soil mix and ensure that the environment is free of pests and diseases. The horsetail plant grows well in a temperature range of between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, but it is best to avoid extreme heat or cold.
Watering Needs
The Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. plant prefers consistently moist soil but can also thrive in drier conditions. It is best to water the plant regularly but not excessively as it may start to develop root rot. To maintain proper moisture levels, you can mulch the soil around the plant or use a drip irrigation system.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for the horsetail plant, as it can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to encourage faster growth or maintain the plant's green color, you can use a granular fertilizer or a liquid seaweed fertilizer. When applying fertilizer, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct dosage
Pruning
The Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. plant can grow up to 90cm tall, and it is advisable to prune it regularly to control its size and shape. To prune this plant, you can cut the stems to the desired height, ensuring that you do not remove more than one-third of the plant's growth at once. It is best to prune horsetail plants in the spring to promote new growth.
Propagation of Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr.
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. can be propagated through vegetative and spore propagation methods.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. can be done through division of rhizomes or through stem cuttings.
Division of rhizomes involves separating the rootstock into pieces with at least one bud each. The separated pieces can then be planted into moist soil at a depth of about 3-4 cm. Rhizome division is best done in early spring before new growth emerges.
Stem cuttings can be taken in mid to late spring when the plants are actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from stems that are at least 15 cm long and have at least one node. Cuttings should be planted in moist soil and kept in a shaded area until new growth emerges.
Spore propagation
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. also reproduces by spores. Spore propagation involves collecting spores from mature cones in early summer. The spores can be sown onto moist soil in a shaded area. The soil should be kept consistently moist until new growth emerges.
It should be noted that Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. can spread aggressively via rhizome growth. Therefore, it is important to monitor the plant and prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas.
Disease and Pest Management for Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr.
Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr., commonly known as field horsetail, is a perennial plant that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. This plant is used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and astringent properties.
Common Diseases
Field horsetail is susceptible to a number of diseases, including:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus and can lead to wilting, stunted growth, and root rot. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and consider applying fungicide treatments in severe cases.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow or orange pustules on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material and use a fungicide if necessary.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. There is no known cure for this disease, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Common Pests
Field horsetail is not generally prone to pest problems, but some pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cause leaves to curl or distort. To manage this pest, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Mites: Mites can cause yellowing, browning, or mottling of the leaves. To manage this pest, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or apply a miticide.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can chew through the stems of the plant. To manage this pest, apply a pesticide or use a physical barrier around the plant.
Regular monitoring of the plant and quick action at the first sign of disease or pest problems can help to keep Equisetum arvense L. var. boreale (Bong.) Rupr. healthy and thriving.
