Overview
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum Victorin, commonly known as ground cedar, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to Lycopodiaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in most of the United States and parts of Canada. The plant thrives in various habitats such as woodlands, clearings, fields, and hillsides. It is a fascinating and unique plant that has been used for various purposes throughout history.
Appearance
Ground cedar usually grows up to 6 inches tall and can spread to up to 3 feet wide. The plant has a creeping stem that branches out with forked fronds that grow upwards. The foliage is evergreen and often has a bluish-green hue. The fronds are needle-like, flat, and have a sharp tip. The plant also has small yellowish-brown spore-bearing cones that appear at the base of the fronds.
Uses
Ground cedar has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes by several Native American tribes. The plant contains certain compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and astringent properties. It has been used to treat various ailments such as coughs, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal disorders. The plant was also burned as incense during traditional tobacco ceremonies to drive away evil spirits.
Additionally, ground cedar is used for ornamental purposes. The plant is visually appealing and adds depth to landscaping when planted in groups. Some gardeners use the plant as a groundcover because it is low maintenance and easy to grow in shaded areas.
Light Requirements
The Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum requires bright light conditions but cannot tolerate direct sunlight. The plant prefers shady areas with partial sunlight, such as those found in forests. However, insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and unhealthy specimens.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum is between 15-25°C (59-77°F). The plant requires a cool and humid environment and cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. Temperatures above 25°C (77°F) can cause the plant to suffer from wilting, while temperatures below 5°C (41°F) can cause the foliage to turn brown and die.
Soil Requirements
The Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum prefers to grow in a slightly acidic or neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The soil must be well-draining and rich in moisture. The plant prefers wet soils with a high concentration of organic matter, such as those found in swamps or wetlands. The addition of peat moss or compost to the soil mix can help to enhance the soil's water-retaining capabilities.
Cultivation
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum Victorin, commonly known as ground-pine, is a perennial evergreen plant that can be easily grown in the garden or in a container. This plant prefers a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0) and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
When planting, make sure to space the plants 6-12 inches apart to allow for proper growth. The best time to plant ground-pine is in the spring, after the last frost date in your area.
Watering
Ground-pine requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season. Make sure the soil is kept evenly moist but not water-logged. After the first growing season, the plant can tolerate some drought, but it's still important to provide regular watering during the hot summer months.
It's also a good idea to water the plant at the base, and avoid getting water on the foliage, to prevent disease and fungal growth.
Fertilization
Ground-pine is a low-maintenance plant, but it benefits from occasional fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once every two to three months during the growing season (spring to fall). Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Alternatively, you can add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve fertility and soil structure.
Pruning
Ground-pine doesn't require much pruning, but you can trim back any dead or damaged branches in the spring or fall. You can also trim the plant to shape it or control its size, but be careful not to remove too much foliage as this can stress the plant.
If you're growing ground-pine in a container, it's a good idea to repot it every two years to keep it healthy and promote new growth.
Propagation of Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Elongatum Victorin
Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Elongatum Victorin is a hardy groundcover plant that can be propagated through a few different methods. These methods include spore propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Propagation via Spores
Propagation via spores is the most common method of propagating Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Elongatum Victorin. Spores are the plant's reproductive cells and can be found in a cone-like structure that grows on the stems of the plant. When the spores are mature, they will be brown in color.
To propagate via spores, you will need to collect the spores in a container and then sprinkle them on the surface of moist soil. Cover the container with plastic wrap to create a humid environment. The spores will begin to germinate and grow into small plants.
Propagation via Division
Propagation via division is another method that can be used to propagate Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Elongatum Victorin. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This is done by carefully digging up the plant and dividing the clumps into smaller portions. Each portion should have some roots attached to it. The smaller sections can then be replanted in a new location.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Propagation via stem cuttings is a method that involves taking a cutting from the parent plant and rooting it. This method is the least common method of propagating Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Elongatum Victorin.
To propagate via stem cuttings, take a cutting from the parent plant that is approximately 3 to 4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist soil and place it in a bright location. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should begin to root within a few weeks.
Propagation of Lycopodium Complanatum L. var. Elongatum Victorin is relatively simple and can be done using any of the methods outlined above. With a little bit of care and patience, you can easily propagate this plant and add more of it to your garden.
Disease Management
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum Victorin can be susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Root Rot: caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium, resulting in wilting, yellowing and eventually death of the plant. To manage, improve soil drainage and avoid over-watering.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: caused by fungal pathogens like Alternaria, causing spots on leaves. To manage, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Rust: a fungal disease causing orange-brown spots on leaves, eventually causing them to fall off. To manage, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Lycopodium complanatum L. var. elongatum Victorin may also be vulnerable to pests, such as:
- Spider Mites: tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause curling of leaves. To manage, remove affected leaves or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: small, immobile insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause stunted growth. To manage, prune affected branches and apply horticultural oil.
Regular inspection and maintenance practices such as pruning dead and diseased plant parts, improving soil health, and controlling weeds can improve the overall health of the plant and prevent further disease or pest infestations. Additionally, maintaining proper plant nutrition and watering practices can help ensure plant vigor and resilience.
