Description of Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus (A. Braun) Doell is a type of fern-like plant native to North America. It belongs to the family Lycopodiaceae and is commonly known as ground-cedar, creeping cedar, or running cedar. The plant is also referred to as Chimaphila thyrsiflora in some regions.
General Appearance
This specific plant has a specific appearance that sets it apart from other varieties of the Lycopodium complanatum. It is a trailing evergreen perennial that grows up to 30cm in height and spreads to cover an area of up to 1m in diameter. The plant features dark green, elongated leaves that are arranged in a fan-like fashion. The stalks are short and bear small rounded sporangia cones at the tip.
Uses
Historically, the Native Americans used the creeping cedar for medicinal purposes, especially for treating urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, rheumatism, and other inflammatory conditions. Nowadays, it is used mostly for ornamental purposes as a ground cover plant in gardens and parks. It is also used in some parts of the world to make Christmas wreaths and other decorative items.
In conclusion, Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus is a beautiful, easy-to-grow plant that has both ornamental and medicinal uses. Its evergreen nature and ground-covering abilities make it an excellent landscaping choice for a wide range of spaces. Its unique appearance, easy maintenance, and a wide variety of uses make it a popular choice among gardeners and horticulturalists.
Light Requirements
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus (A. Braun) Doell, commonly known as ground cedar, thrives in moderate to high shade. It prefers partial to full shade and cannot tolerate full sun exposure. When exposed to direct sunlight, the plant loses moisture and deteriorates rapidly. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in semi-shaded areas, such as under trees, shrubs, or other shading structures.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in cooler conditions. The ideal temperature range for Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus (A. Braun) Doell is between 15 and 25°C (59-77°F). It does not tolerate extreme heat, so it is essential to keep the plant soil moist and provide regular watering during hot and dry weather.
Soil Requirements
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus (A. Braun) Doell requires well-drained, moderately acidic soils. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be loose and rich in organic matter for better growth and development. Ground cedar also prefers soil that is slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Adequate drainage is critical; otherwise, the plant may suffer from root rot. Regular application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can enhance its growth and performance.
Cultivation
The best way to cultivate Lycopodium complanatum var. chamicyparissus is by propagation through spores. The spores can be sown in compost or seed trays on a surface of sphagnum moss, peat, or sterilized soil. Place the trays in an area with moist and warm conditions, ideally between 60-68°F (15-20°C). Germination can take several weeks to several months, so be patient. Once germinated, move the seedlings to a partially shaded area.
The plant prefers a well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-6.0. They generally grow in rocky or sandy areas, so it’s best to replicate these conditions by mixing sand or grit into the soil. Plant them in a partially shaded area, where they get dappled sunlight rather than direct sunlight.
Watering needs
Lycopodium complanatum var. chamicyparissus prefers moist soil, but it’s essential to avoid overwatering as the roots may rot. Water thoroughly once a week during dry spells, and ensure that the soil has adequate drainage.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is generally not essential for Lycopodium complanatum var. chamicyparissus. However, if you must fertilize, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once a month, applied during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months.
Pruning
Lycopodium complanatum var. chamicyparissus does not require pruning. However, to prevent overcrowding, it might be necessary to remove a few plants now and then or trim them back selectively. Do not cut all the way to the ground, or you may damage the underground stems.
Propagation of Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus (A. Braun) Doell
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus (A. Braun) Doell, also known as ground-pine, is a species of fern that is predominantly propagated through spores. Spores are tiny, powdery structures produced by the fern that contain the genetic material necessary for the growth and development of the plant. In addition to spore propagation, ground-pine can also be propagated vegetatively through rhizome cuttings and division of mature plants.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation is the most common method of propagating ground-pine. Spores are typically collected in the fall when the sporangia, or spore-producing structures, have matured. Once collected, the spores can be sown onto a sterile growth medium and placed in a humid environment. The spores will germinate and grow into small, thin, green, heart-shaped gametophytes. After several months, the gametophytes will develop into small sporophytes, or young plants, which can then be transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Vegetative Propagation
In addition to spore propagation, ground-pine can also be propagated vegetatively through rhizome cuttings or division of mature plants. Rhizome cuttings involve taking a portion of the underground stem of the plant and planting it in a suitable growth medium. The rhizome cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant. Division of mature plants involves separating a portion of an established plant and planting it in a separate container or location. Both of these methods of propagation can result in larger plants more quickly than spore propagation, but they can also be more challenging and require more care.
Disease Management
The plant Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus is generally a healthy plant, but there are some diseases that it is susceptible to. One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can stunt the plant's growth and reduce its overall health. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any infected leaves and treat the plant with fungicides. Additionally, providing appropriate air circulation and avoiding over-crowding of the plant can also help prevent the disease's spread.
Pest Management
Like many other plants, Lycopodium complanatum L. var. chamicyparissus can be affected by a variety of pests. Two common pests that can afflict this plant are spider mites and slugs.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause discoloration of the leaves as well as a general weakening of the plant. These insects are difficult to spot but can often be detected by the fine webbing they leave behind. To manage spider mites, one can use predatory mites or insecticides specifically designed to target this insect.
Slugs can also be a serious problem for this plant, particularly if the plant is being grown in a damp or humid environment. These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving holes and other damage. To manage slugs, it is important to keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris. Additionally, spraying the plant with a repellent or using physical barriers, such as copper tape, can also be effective in controlling these pests.
