Origin
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum, commonly known as the red-tinged bristle-moss, is a small moss species which is native to the Southern hemisphere.
Common Names
The Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is commonly known by the following names:
- Red-tinged bristle-moss
- Microblepharum moss
Uses
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is often used for medicinal purposes due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used in treating various ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, and fever. Additionally, this plant is used as bioindicators in pollution studies.
General Appearance
The Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum can be easily identified due to its red-tipped leaves. The plant is small and grows up to 2cm in height. It forms tight clusters of wiry stems that are bushy, densely growing from the center of each cluster, with a horizontal base and vertical stems. The leaves are small and bicolor, ranging from dark green at the base of the plant to a reddish tinge at the tips, hence the common name, red-tinged bristle-moss.
Light Requirements
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is a shade-loving plant and requires low to medium light intensity for growth. It can thrive in areas of partial sun exposure and is commonly found growing on the shaded sides of trees, rocks, and soil.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in moderate temperatures. It prefers cooler temperatures ranging between 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F) for optimum growth. Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum can tolerate low temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) during winter, making it a hardy plant. High temperatures above 30°C (86°F) may cause damage to the plant's leaves.
Soil Requirements
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum grows best in well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. It prefers organically rich soils with good water retention capabilities. This plant can also grow on sandy or rocky soils with good moisture content.
Cultivation Methods
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is a small moss that grows on tree trunks and rocks. It is a photosynthetic plant, which means that it needs light to grow. Mosses can be grown in containers or gardens, and the cultivation method will depend on the location.
Watering Needs
Mosses require regular watering to thrive. They are sensitive to dry conditions and can’t be allowed to dry out too much. It’s recommended to water Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum every few days during the summer months when the weather is dry.
Fertilization
Mosses do not require fertilization because they obtain their nutrients from the environment around them, including the atmosphere, rainfall, and decaying organic matter. If you want to encourage the growth of Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum, you can add some organic material to the soil where it is growing.
Pruning
Mosses do not require any pruning, but you can trim them to help maintain their shape or control their growth. If you want to remove dead or damaged parts of Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum, you can gently pull or cut them off.
Propagation of Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is a small, cushion-like plant that is primarily propagated by spores and vegetative means such as fragmentation.
Propagation by spores
The most common method of propagating O. microblepharum is through spores. Spores are reproductive materials that are dispersed through the air and can easily colonize new habitats. Spores can be harvested by collecting sporophytes when mature, usually in late fall, and placing them in a container to release the spores. A nutrient-rich culture medium can be prepared for the spores to develop and grow into protonema, a thread-like structure that develops into the moss plant.
Propagation by fragmentation
O. microblepharum can also be propagated by fragmentation. This method involves dividing the plant's mature parts, such as the cushions, stems, or branches, into smaller sections and replanting them in suitable habitats. The fragment pieces should be at least 3cm long and should include any roots or shoots if present. The bed where the fragments will be planted should be moist and with a suitable substrate for the moss to establish.
Propagation of Orthotrichum microblepharum can be a slow process, but with the proper care, the moss can establish and grow into a beautiful addition to any garden or habitat.
Disease Management
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, certain environmental conditions and cultural practices can contribute to disease development. The common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Bacterial Blight: This disease can be observed in wet conditions. To manage this, remove all the infected tissues and maintain proper airflow.
- Anthracnose: This disease develops during the rainy seasons, causing the leaves to turn yellowish. To control this, apply preventive fungicides, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, and maintain proper cultural practices.
Pest Management
Orthotrichum microblepharum Schimp. f. rubrum is also susceptible to pest attacks. The pests that might affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are one of the common pests of this plant. To manage them, remove pest-infested leaves and spray insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause severe damage to this plant; they tend to accumulate at night time in leaf litter. To manage them, apply baits or copper strips around the plants.
