Origin
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout, commonly known as Waghorne's Water-moss, is a species of aquatic plant belonging to the family Fontinalaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in freshwater habitats ranging from fast-moving streams to ponds and lakes.
Common Names
In addition to Waghorne's Water-moss, Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei has a few other common names, which include New England water-moss, creeping moss, and fountain moss.
Appearance
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei is a perennial aquatic plant that grows in dense mats. The plant's stem is long, thin, and flexible, enabling it to remain submerged in flowing water to absorb the necessary nutrients and sunlight. The stems are highly branched, with a bushy appearance, and can reach a length of up to 1 meter.
The leaves of the plant are small, narrow and densely packed on the stems. They are dark green and have a distinct pointed tip, which gives the plant a fern-like appearance.
Uses
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei is commonly used in the aquarium industry as an ornamental plant to provide cover and shelter for smaller aquatic animals, and it can help improve aquarium water quality. Additionally, this plant has been employed to help purify water in artificial wetlands and to prevent soil erosion in wetland environments.
Growth Conditions for Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout is a submerged aquatic plant that grows in cool, clear waters. The following are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light
The plant requires moderate to high levels of light to grow and thrive. It can adapt well to different lighting conditions but grows best under direct sunlight. Under low light conditions, the plant tends to grow sparsely with long stem internodes.
Temperature
The optimal water temperature for Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout ranges between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but temperatures over 24°C (75°F) can be detrimental to its growth and vitality. When exposed to warm temperatures, the plant may die off, turn brown, or become infected with algae.
Soil Requirements
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout prefers nutrient-rich waters with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. It thrives in soft, acidic, and well-aerated substrates, such as sand, clay, or gravel. The plant prefers slow-moving water; it can tolerate a moderate flow, although high currents can negatively impact its growth.
In summary, Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout requires moderate to high levels of light, cool water temperatures ranging between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), and nutrient-rich waters with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers soft, acidic, well-aerated substrates such as sand, clay, or gravel and slow-moving water.
Cultivation Methods
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout is a freshwater moss plant that requires frequent water changes to thrive well. The plant can be cultivated in aquariums, ponds, and streams with water pH ranging from 6.0-7.5.
The moss prefers low to medium light and can be anchored to rocks, wood, or gravel. It is essential to ensure the plant receives proper water circulation to aid in nutrient uptake and oxygenation.
Watering Needs
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout requires clean, fresh, and well-aerated water. It is crucial to maintain stable water parameters such as pH, temperature, and nutrient levels to achieve optimum growth. The plant needs regular water changes to get rid of accumulated waste products and debris.
Fertilization
In most cases, Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout does not require additional fertilization. However, if the plant starts showing signs of nutrient deficiency, you can use liquid or tablet fertilizers designed for aquatic plants in small quantities.
Excess fertilizer can be harmful to the plant and can lead to algae growth, which can cause further harm.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the aesthetic look of the plant and promote healthy growth. The plant can be trimmed using a sharp pair of scissors by trimming unwanted, unhealthy, or overgrown parts of the moss.
It is vital to avoid over-pruning as this can lead to damage or even kill the plant. During pruning, ensure that the plant is tied down to prevent it from floating away.
Propagation of Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout can be propagated by vegetative means, primarily through fragmentation. Fragmentation is the process of cutting a section of the plant and replanting it to form a new individual.
The process of fragmentation involves carefully cutting small sections of the plant with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Each section should have at least one node, which is where leaves and roots emerge from the stem. After cutting, the fragments can be placed in a container with clean, fresh water. Over time, the fragments will produce new roots and shoots.
Once the roots have sufficiently developed, the fragments can be planted in a substrate. The ideal substrate for Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout is a high-quality aquatic substrate that is rich in nutrients and has a neutral pH. The plants should be arranged in a way that allows each individual enough space to grow while also creating a lush, attractive aquatic garden.
It is important to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated to ensure the health and vitality of Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout. This can be achieved through regular water changes and the use of a high-quality water filtration system. With proper care and attention, Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout can thrive and spread throughout an aquatic environment, providing an attractive and beneficial addition to any aquatic garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout
Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei (Card.) Welch in Grout is a beautiful and hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggested ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial Blight: This is a common bacterial disease that affects Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei. It is characterized by the appearance of brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black. To manage this disease, prune the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is exposed to adequate sunlight and good drainage. Also, avoid watering the plant from above as this can spread the bacteria.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the attack of various fungi and is characterized by the appearance of spots on the leaves. The spots are usually circular and can be black, brown, or yellow. To manage this disease, prune the affected leaves, avoid overcrowding of plants, and ensure that the plant is exposed to good air circulation. Also, avoid watering the plant from above as this can spread the fungi.
Pests
Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing deformities and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the affected plant with a solution of water and soap or use a commercial insecticide. You can also attract their natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Snails and slugs: These pests are common in a damp environment and can cause significant damage to the plant by eating the leaves. To manage snails and slugs, handpick them or set up traps around the plant using beer or grapefruit halves. You can also use copper wire around the base of the plant to prevent their movement.
By being vigilant and proactive in monitoring and managing diseases and pests, you can ensure that your Fontinalis novae-angliae Sull. var. waghornei remains healthy and beautiful.
