Overview
Placidiopsis cervinula, also known as Pseudocyphellaria cervinula, is a foliose lichen that belongs to the family Lobariaceae. This lichen is found in many regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Description
The plant has a foliose thallus and lobes that are up to 7 cm wide. The thallus is pale green to greyish-green in color, and it has a thick and rigid texture. When moist, the thallus can be easily stretched and manipulated, but it becomes brittle when dry. The lobes are flat and wide, with the tips of the lobes curving upwards. The underside of the lobes is black and has numerous rhizines that aid in attachment to the substrate.
Common Names
The common names of Placidiopsis cervinula are deer lichen, reindeer moss, and elk moss. In some regions, it is also referred to as old man's beard, despite being a different species from the similar-looking usnea lichen that is often called old man's beard.
Uses
Placidiopsis cervinula is an important food source for reindeer and caribou during winter months when other vegetation is scarce. The lichen contains a high amount of carbohydrates and nutrients, and it can constitute up to 90% of the winter diet for these animals. Additionally, the lichen has been used in traditional medicine and is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Light Requirements
Placidiopsis cervinula is typically found growing in areas with moderate to high light intensity. It can thrive in both shaded and exposed habitats. In cultivation, provide the plant with bright, indirect light to mimic its natural habitat.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Placidiopsis cervinula growth is between 5°C to 25°C. The plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and can even tolerate freezing conditions. However, avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat or cold for prolonged periods as it may lead to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
Placidiopsis cervinula prefers to grow on acidic substrates such as peat or decaying wood. It is also commonly found growing on rocks or other substrates high in mineral content. The plant can be grown in a mixture of peat moss and perlite or a well-draining soil mix of equal parts sand, perlite, and peat. Ensure the pot or growing container has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Placidiopsis cervinula is an epiphytic lichen that can be found growing on the bark of trees in humid areas. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to mimic its natural environment as much as possible. It can be grown indoors or outdoors but requires a humid atmosphere with good air circulation.
One way to cultivate Placidiopsis cervinula is to attach it to a piece of bark, which can then be placed in a terrarium or a humid room with moderate light. Both the bark and the plant should be misted regularly to keep them moist.
If grown outdoors, it can be attached to the bark of a tree or a rock in a shady and humid place. It is important to avoid direct sunlight and keep it away from areas with high pollution levels.
Watering Needs
Placidiopsis cervinula requires regular watering to keep it hydrated, especially when grown indoors or during dry spells. Watering should be done by misting the plant to avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot. There should be enough water to moisten the plant without leaving it soaked.
When grown outdoors, watering may not be needed as often, as the plant will absorb moisture from the environment. However, during extended dry periods, light misting may be required.
Fertilization
Placidiopsis cervinula does not require any additional fertilization as it is capable of absorbing nutrients from the environment on which it is growing. Applying fertilizers may damage the plant, and it is not recommended.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Placidiopsis cervinula. The plant grows slowly and does not need to be trimmed. However, if it starts to outgrow its designated spot, it can be gently removed and reattached to a different location without causing damage.
Propagation of Placidiopsis cervinula
Placidiopsis cervinula is a lichen that grows on rocks and trees in shaded and humid areas. Propagation of this plant can be done by either sexual or asexual means.
Propagation by Soredia
One of the asexual methods of propagation that Placidiopsis cervinula uses is through soredia. Soredia are small, rounded propagules that detach from the thallus and are dispersed by the wind or rain. To propagate using soredia, one should collect the soredia from the thallus and moisten them before placing them on a suitable substrate such as tree bark or rocks.
Propagation by Fragmentation
Another method of asexual propagation is through the fragmentation of the thallus. This method involves breaking off small pieces of the thallus and then transferring them to a suitable substrate. The substrate should be kept moist to promote rooting.
Propagation by Spores
Sexual propagation of Placidiopsis cervinula involves the use of spores. Spores are produced by the apothecia, which are reproductive structures that develop on the thallus. The spores are then dispersed by the wind before landing on a suitable substrate where they germinate and form a new plant.
Disease Management
Placidiopsis cervinula is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but there are some common diseases that can affect it:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves and stems, eventually leading to plant death. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant material and promote good air circulation around the plant.
- Leaf spot: Another fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid getting water on the leaves during watering.
- Rust: This disease presents itself through yellow or orange spots on the leaves, sometimes accompanied by dark spots on the underside of the leaves. Prune and destroy infected leaves and make sure the plant has adequate air circulation.
- Bacterial leaf spot: Bacterial leaf spot causes angular black spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria.
Pest Management
Placidiopsis cervinula is also relatively pest resistant, but there are a few common pests that can cause damage to the plant:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing yellowing and eventual death. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.
- Scale insects: Scale insects look like small bumps on the stems or leaves of the plant, and they can cause yellowing and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant, and use a horticultural oil spray to suffocate the remaining insects.
