Origin
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake is commonly known as Clubmoss, a member of the Lycopodiaceae family. This spikemoss is native to Southeastern United States, specifically in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Sharon Spikemoss, Dwarf Fan Clubmoss, or Sabine's Ground Pine.
Uses
The plant Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake has been traditionally used as a remedy for various ailments by Native Americans. The plant has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties. Its extracts have been used topically to treat skin ulcers, wounds, and itching. It is also used to alleviate menstrual cramps, respiratory problems, and urinary infections.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake is also used as a decorative plant or for landscaping purposes. Its evergreen foliage produces a lush, carpet-like effect when grown as a ground cover, and its unique texture adds an interesting element to rock gardens or terrariums. The plant is also a favorite among Bonsai enthusiasts as it responds well to pruning and shaping.
General Appearance
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake has needle-shaped leaves that grow up to one-inch-long and arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem. The plant's leaves are typically dark green and glossy, with a slightly waxy texture. Clubmoss is a low-growing perennial that can reach a height of up to six inches tall. Its stems are thin and wiry, and they spread outward horizontally, forming a dense mat over the ground. Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are rarely seen.
Growth Conditions of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake is a slow-growing, evergreen, and herbaceous plant species. It is commonly known as "Sharon's ground cedar" and belongs to the family Lycopodiaceae. The plant is native to the southeastern region of the United States and is typically found growing in dry, rocky or sandy soils, such as pine woods and oak-hickory forests.
Light Requirements
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake prefers partial to full shade and grows best in an area with filtered sunlight, as direct sunlight can cause the foliage to scorch. However, the plant can tolerate some levels of sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging from around 60°F (16°C) to 80°F (27°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but is not well-suited to extreme cold temperatures and frost. During the winter season, it is recommended to move the plant indoors if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The ideal soil mixture should be composed of rich organic material such as peat moss, loam, and perlite. The plant does not tolerate soggy or waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Overall, providing the ideal environment for Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake to grow is essential for its healthy development and survival. By following these guidelines, gardeners and plant enthusiasts can cultivate beautiful and thriving specimens of this unique plant species.
Cultivation of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake is a type of fern that requires specific conditions to grow healthily. It is best to cultivate Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake indoors in a warm, humid environment. The perfect location for the plant is a terrarium or a greenhouse that can provide the necessary warmth and humidity levels.
When planting Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in sandy, loamy soils with a pH level of 5.5-6.5. The fern requires a sufficient amount of light, but direct sunlight should be avoided as it can dry up the soil too quickly.
Watering Needs of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake
Proper watering of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake is essential for its growth and longevity. The fern requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Watering once a week is sufficient, but the frequency may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment. During the winter months, the frequency should be reduced.
Fertilization of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake
Fertilization is crucial for the proper growth and development of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake. It is recommended to feed the fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every three months during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to unwanted growth that can damage the plant.
Pruning of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake
Pruning is not a necessary activity for the maintenance of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake. However, if the fern becomes overgrown or untidy, it can be trimmed using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Be careful not to cut too much of the plant as this can cause damage or stunted growth.
Propagation of Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake, commonly known as Sharon's ground cedar, is a low-growing evergreen plant that belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family. It is an ideal plant for shady rock gardens and woodland areas. Propagation of L. sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake can be achieved by spores, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by spores
Propagation of L. sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake by spores is a bit challenging and requires patience. Spores can be collected by cutting the stems that bear spores and drying them in a paper bag. The spores can then be sown on the surface of a peat-based medium in containers, covered with a clear plastic lid, and placed in a bright, well-lit area. The container should be kept moist at all times. Germination can take up to two months, and the resulting plants must be kept in a humid environment until they are large enough to transplant.
Propagation by cuttings
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake can be propagated by cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of stems and be at least 4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the cutting moist and in a bright, indirect light until roots form. Once the roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or it's permanent planting location.
Propagation by division
Division is the easiest and most common method of propagating Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake. The plant can be divided in early spring before new growth appears. Dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each section has enough roots and shoots to survive. Plant each division in a location that provides the same growing conditions as the original plant and keep well-watered until established.
Disease Management
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake is not prone to serious plant diseases, but it can be affected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. Here are some common diseases, and suggestions on how to manage them:
Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spots are common fungal diseases that usually cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves or stems of the plant. To manage leaf spot diseases, remove and destroy the infected leaves, and apply a fungicide that is appropriate for use on Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide that is labeled for use on powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Lycopodium sabinifolium Willd. var. sharonense Blake can also be affected by several common garden pests. Here are some common pests, and suggestions on how to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, or apply an insecticidal soap or oil that is labeled for use on spider mites.
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap out of it. To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of heavily infested plant parts, and apply an insecticidal soap, oil, or horticultural spray that is labeled for use on scale insects.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied, white, cotton-like pests that also suck the sap out of the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, remove and dispose of heavily infested plant parts, and apply an insecticidal soap or oil that is labeled for use on mealybugs.
