Origin
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout, commonly known as Delamarre's water moss, is a species of aquatic moss that is native to North America, specifically the northeastern part of the United States, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Common Names
The plant is most commonly known as Delamarre's water moss, after the French bryologist and naturalist Edmund Lamy Delamare who discovered it in the late 1800s. It is also occasionally referred to as New England water moss or northern water moss.
Uses
Due to its unique texture and appearance, Delamarre's water moss is often used in aquascaping - the art of arranging aquatic plants, rocks, and other elements in fish tanks or aquariums. It can be used to create natural-looking underwater landscapes and provides a soft, cushiony surface for fish to rest on. Additionally, this moss is used to help purify water in aquariums, as it absorbs nitrates and other harmful chemicals from the water.
General Appearance
Delamarre's water moss has a feathery, green appearance with long, thin branching stems that can grow up to ten inches long. The branches are typically divided into many fine, hair-like strands, which gives the moss a delicate and intricate appearance. When grown underwater, the plant forms dense mats that float freely and can be easily propagated by snipping off pieces and attaching them to rocks, driftwood, or other surfaces.
Growth conditions for Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout is a submerged aquatic moss that requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei requires moderate to high levels of light to grow. It is typically found in shallower waters where there is sufficient light penetration to support photosynthesis. In aquariums or other artificial environments, providing adequate light through specialized aquarium lighting is important for the moss to grow and develop properly.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei growth is between 15? to 25?. The moss can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, but growth may be slower or erratic outside of the ideal range. Maintaining a stable water temperature with a heater or chiller for the aquatic environment is essential for proper growth.
Soil requirements
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei does not require soil to grow, as it is a submerged aquatic moss. It can, however, attach to various surfaces such as rocks, logs, or even other aquarium plants. These materials should be clean and free of algae or other contaminants to promote healthy growth. Additionally, adding a nutrient-rich substrate such as ADA Amazonia or Fluval Stratum can provide a source of nutrients for the moss to absorb and grow.
Overall, providing Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei with the appropriate growth conditions is crucial for the moss to thrive in aquatic environments. Adequate light, temperature, and clean substrate or attachment surfaces can promote healthy growth and ultimately create a beautiful and thriving aquatic environment.
Cultivation methods:
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout, commonly known as Delamare's water moss, is a freshwater plant that thrives in cool and clear running water in North America. The plant requires a lot of sunlight and thriving in slightly acidic to neutral PH. It's best cultivated in an aquarium or a pond filled with cool water circulation systems to maintain the right temperature.
Watering needs:
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei requires only freshwater of pH 6.0-7.5 and a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant should be regularly watered to ensure the roots remain moist and never fully dry out. Too much watering can lead to stagnant growth, and the plant may begin to die out due to root rot.
Fertilization:
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei does not need fertilization to thrive in a cool freshwater aquarium. They will derive their nutrients from the water and fish feces. However, if grown in a pond, a small amount of fertilization can be beneficial.
Pruning:
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei does not require pruning, but it can be done to maintain a particular shape or to remove any dead strands. To prune, carefully use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the strands close to the aquarium floor or pond bed. Be careful not to cut off more than one-third of the plant's total body to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout can be propagated in two ways, vegetative propagation, and propagation through spores.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout involves the use of plant fragments to create a new plant. This method is commonly used because it is easier and faster than propagating through spores. The steps to propagate Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout vegetatively are:
- Obtain a healthy mature plant by carefully harvesting a stem of the plant.
- Cut the stem into small fragments, each fragment should have several branches.
- Place the fragments on the substrate to form a new colony. Ensure the substrate has the right physical and chemical properties required by the plant.
- Ensure the environment is favorable for root growth. This involves maintaining a stable water flow and oxygen supply, and providing the right temperature in the water.
- The newly formed colonies will reach a maximum growth rate after 4 - 6 weeks.
Propagation through Spores
Propagation of Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout through spores is time-consuming but is an effective way of creating genetically diverse plants. The steps to propagate through spores are:
- Harvest mature healthy plants from a suitable location and carefully remove the branchlets.
- Rinse the branchlets to remove any excess minerals or pollutants present in the water.
- Dry the branchlets on a paper towel for a few hours.
- Spread the spores on agar dishes.(Agar dishes contain growth hormones and nutrients that promote spore germination).
- Incubate the agar dishes in a warm, dark environment for two weeks.
- Separate the sporelings that will emerge from the agar dishes after two weeks and place them into a substrate. Avoid placing too many spores closely together, as this reduces their chance of survival.
- The newly formed plantlets will reach a maximum growth rate after 4 - 6 weeks.
Disease Management
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout is a robust plant, and it is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it may suffer from a few fungal or bacterial infections, particularly when growing in damp areas.
The occurrence of disease can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation and avoiding prolonged periods of wetness. It is also essential to maintain clean irrigation and fertilization practices to reduce fungal and bacterial growth. If you notice any yellowing or spotting on the leaves, remove the infected parts immediately and dispose of them offsite to prevent the spreading of the disease.
When dealing with a severe outbreak, it may be necessary to apply a chemical fungicide to control the disease's spread. Always follow the instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout is not a favorite meal for pests, but it may attract some critters.
The most common pests that may infest this plant are snails and slugs, which can eat through the leaves and stem. These pests can be managed by removing them manually or placing slug pellets near the plant.
Additionally, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects may also affect the plant. The best way to tackle these issues is by monitoring the plant regularly and using insecticidal soap when necessary. Another effective solution is the use of biological control agents such as ladybugs, wasps, and lacewings that feed on these pests.
Overall, taking preventative measures, including proper cultural practices such as watering the plant correctly and fertilizing with care, can go a long way in preventing disease and pest infestations in Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. delamarei (Ren. & Card.) Welch in Grout.
