Origin
Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin, also known as flattened clubmoss, is a species of plant that belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family. It is native to Europe, where it grows in a wide range of habitats, including woods, moors, and heaths.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as flattened clubmoss, ground cedar, or running pine.
Uses
Traditionally, flattened clubmoss was used by various Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The leaves and stems contain alkaloids that have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including bladder issues, lung problems, and rheumatism. Today, the plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
General Appearance
Flattened clubmoss is a low-growing evergreen plant that typically reaches a height of 3-5 cm. It has a horizontal rooting habit and spreads by rhizomes to form dense mats. The stem is thin and delicate, and it branches out to form a sprawling, prostrate growth habit. The leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem and are linear in shape, with a dark green color. The plant produces spores in small cones that appear on the tips of the stems in late summer.
Growth Conditions for Lycopodium Complanatum L. Ssp. Issleri (Rouy) Domin
Light Requirements: Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin prefers shaded to partially shaded environments with low light intensity. The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight exposure and must be protected from it.
Temperature Requirements: The species is native to mountainous, cool and moist environments of Europe and may require cool temperatures and high humidity to grow successfully. Ideally, the suitable temperature for the plant to grow is between 5-15°C. The optimum temperature for the L. complanatum is 10-13°C.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-drained soils containing humus and prefers soils that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. Additionally, the soil should be moist, cool, and rich in organic matter to support the proper growth of the plant. The plant can be grown in the rocky and shallow soils found in deciduous and mixed woodlands.
Cultivation Methods
Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin, commonly known as ground cedar, is a slow-growing evergreen plant that requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. It prefers partial shade to full shade and grows well under trees or in rock gardens.
Ground cedar is tolerant of cold weather and can withstand frost in the winter.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Ground cedar prefers humid environments and may require misting during hot and dry weather to prevent dehydration.
However, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot and lead to plant death.
Fertilization
Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin is a slow-growing plant that does not require frequent fertilization. It is best to fertilize once a year using a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
It is better to avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Ground cedar does not require frequent pruning. However, it is best to remove brown or yellow leaves to maintain plant health.
If the plant grows too large or out of shape, it can be cut back in early spring to promote healthy growth. It is essential to avoid cutting the plant too short, as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin
Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin, commonly known as ground pine, is a species of evergreen fern-like plant belonging to the Lycopodiaceae family. It is a popular plant in gardens because of its unique appearance and ease of propagation. Several methods can be employed to propagate the plant, including spores, rhizome division, and stem cuttings.
Propagation by spores
One of the easiest ways to propagate ground pine is through spores. The plant takes about five years to mature and produce spores, which are tiny dust-like particles that form on the undersides of the leaves. Harvesting spores involves cutting off a few healthy fronds and placing them in a paper bag. The spores will fall off into the bag over the next few weeks.
To propagate with spores, fill a small pot with a blend of peat moss and perlite. Sprinkle spores on the surface and mist with water to keep the mixture damp. Cover the pot with plastic wrap to retain moisture and place it in a warm location with indirect light. The spores will germinate and form tiny green shoots in about 6 to 12 months. As the plant grows and develops more fronds, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or an outdoor growing bed.
Propagation by rhizome division
Another propagation method for ground pine is through rhizome division. The rhizome is the plant's underground stem that produces roots and new shoots. To divide rhizomes, dig up the parent plant and remove the soil around the base of the plant until the rhizomes are visible. Carefully separate the rhizomes and replant them in a pot or garden bed, making sure to keep the soil moist. The new plants will take about two to three years to develop into mature plants.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another way to produce new ground pine plants. Choose a mature plant and cut off a few stems with clean, sharp scissors. Make sure to include at least one node, which is the point where leaves attach to the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot or garden bed filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil damp and the cutting in indirect light until new growth appears, which should take about three weeks.
Overall, ground pine is an easy and rewarding plant to propagate. Whether you choose to propagate with spores, rhizome division, or stem cuttings, this unique and beautiful plant is sure to thrive in your garden or indoor setting.
Disease Management
Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin is a relatively disease-resistant plant when grown in suitable conditions. However, it can still be susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Below are some common diseases that might affect this plant:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. It can cause severe root damage, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and remove and destroy infected plant material.
- Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. It can cause brown spots on the stem, leaves, and branches, which can merge to form large areas of dead tissue. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection, which can cause yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. These spots may have a yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Lycopodium complanatum L. ssp. issleri (Rouy) Domin can be affected by pests that can reduce plant health and yield. Below are some common pests that might affect this plant:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves, leading to reduced plant vigor. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them and introduce predatory mites or insects.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage by chewing on the leaves, which can reduce plant health and yield. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or introduce natural predators, such as birds or parasitic wasps.
- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellow spots on the leaves and can reduce plant vigor. To manage scale insects, prune and discard heavily infested branches and introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs.
