Origin
Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun, also known as the Bigfoot water-clover, is a species of aquatic and semi-aquatic fern that belongs to the Marsileaceae family. It is native to Central America, particularly in Mexico, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and south to Panama.
Common Names
Aside from Bigfoot water-clover, Marsilea macropoda is also known by other common names such as Waterclover and Clover-fern.
Uses
The Bigfoot water-clover is a popular aquatic plant used in aquariums and water gardens. It is known for its decorative qualities, as well as its ability to purify water by absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants in the water. Marsilea macropoda is also used in traditional herbal medicine as a treatment for various ailments such as diarrhea, urinary problems, and liver issues.
General Appearance
The Bigfoot water-clover has a unique clover-like appearance due to its four-lobed leaf structure, which resembles the lucky four-leaf clover. Its leaves are bright green and can grow up to 5 cm in diameter. The plant produces spores that grow on the edges of the leaves, which are dispersed by water currents. Marsilea macropoda can grow up to 20 cm in height and can spread through rhizomes, forming dense mats of vegetation in shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Light requirements
Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun thrives in well-lit environments. In low light, the plant may not grow well or will grow slowly. Therefore, it is important to maintain the plant in an area where there is a constant source of natural or artificial light.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun is between 21-26°C. Extreme temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C will drastically affect the plant's growth rate, and the plant tends to die if the temperatures exceed 50°C. Maintaining the appropriate temperature for the plant is important for its overall health and optimum growth.
Soil requirements
Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun requires moist soil to grow. A nutrient-rich loamy soil type with a pH tolerant of 6.5 to 7.5 is best suited for the plant. If the soil lacks sufficient moisture levels, it can lead to wilting of leaves and stunted growth. It is essential to provide the plant with moist soil conditions to maintain its growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun needs to be cultivated in a pond or aquarium that contains freshwater. It can also be grown in a terrarium with a humid environment. The plant grows well in sandy substrate or mud and prefers a pH range of 6.5 to 7.2.
It is important to place the plant in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, or it may get scorched.
Watering Needs
The Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun needs to be watered regularly to maintain a moist environment. The plant can be submerged partially or fully in the water, depending on the container it is planted in.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize the Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun every two weeks with a fertilizer that is rich in iron and potassium. The ideal fertilizer should have a ratio of 10:26:10(N:P:K).
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the water that can harm the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning the Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun is essential to maintain its overall health and appearance. It is advised to cut off any dead or decaying leaves from the plant as soon as possible. Additionally, the plant can be trimmed occasionally to maintain its desired shape and size.
Make sure to use clean pruning tools to minimize the risk of infection, and avoid damaging the healthy portions of the plant.
Propagation of Marsilea Macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun
Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun is a plant that can reproduce through different methods, including sexual and asexual methods. The reproductive cycle of this plant is continuous throughout the year and can be done both in natural and artificial environments.
Asexual propagation
The asexual propagation of Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun is done through the separation of the plant's rhizomes. This is done by gently pulling apart the rhizomes and replanting them in a new pot or location. This method is very effective, and the newly separated plant will continue to grow without any interruptions. The separated rhizomes can also be placed in a glass of water until new roots sprout before being transferred to soil or a hydroponic system.
Sexual propagation
Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun can also reproduce sexually through the production of spores. To propagate the plant through spores, it is essential to obtain the spores from a mature plant, which will be used to grow a new plant. These spores are so light that they can float in the air, making it easy for the plant to spread over long distances. The spores of Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun are brown and are produced in the sporocarps. After the sporocarps have matured, they will open, and the spores will be released into the environment.
To propagate through spores, sow the spores thinly on a layer of moistened soil or vermiculite and cover with a plastic bag to keep the soil damp. Place the container in a warm spot out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist throughout. In about 2-3 weeks, small, green shoots will emerge, and the new baby Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun will begin to grow. After some time, these sprouts can be transferred to a larger pot or location.
Disease and Pest Management of Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun
Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it is not immune to certain issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Pythium Root Rot: This disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth in the plant. It is caused by a fungus that affects the plant's roots. To manage Pythium Root Rot, it is essential to maintain good drainage and avoid over-watering. Also, treating the plant with a fungicide that contains metalaxyl can help control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that results in small brown or black spots forming on the plant's leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is necessary to remove the damaged leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide spray. It is also essential to maintain good ventilation and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and discoloration of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Remove any affected leaves and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray. Also, maintaining a high humidity level can help control the spread of these pests.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another tiny pest that can cause damage to the plant. They can be identified by the white powdery substance they leave behind on the plant's leaves. To manage mealybugs, it is necessary to inspect the plant regularly and remove any affected leaves. Using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the bugs can also help control the infestation. Additionally, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the spread of these pests.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the plants, as well as proper watering and fertilization, can go a long way in preventing or managing these common diseases and pests that affect Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun.
