Sagina Maxima Gray Ssp. Crassicaulis (s. Wats.) Crow - Stickystem Pearlwort

Overview

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis (S. Wats.) Crow, also known as Big Irish Moss, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is famous for its attractive green foliage and small white flowers, which make it an excellent choice for ground cover and rock gardens.

Origin and Distribution

This plant is native to Europe but has now been introduced to North America, where it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It grows best in well-draining soils that are moist and slightly acidic and can tolerate full sun and partial shade.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known by several names, including: - Big Irish Moss - S. Wats. - Heath Pearlwort

Uses

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis is a versatile plant with several uses. In gardens and landscapes, it serves as an excellent ground cover plant due to its dense, carpet-like growth habit. It is also suitable for rock gardens, where it thrives in crevices and spreads over rocks, adding beauty and texture to the landscape. Physically, the plant is used in the cosmetic industry, where it is added to creams, lotions, and other skincare products. Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis extract is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is useful in treating skin inflammation.

General Appearance

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis usually grows up to 10-15 cm in height and can spread up to 30 cm in diameter. The foliage is evergreen and consists of bright green leaves that are less than one inch in length. The plant produces tiny, white, star-shaped flowers in the summer that bloom for an extended period. The flowers grow on slender stalks, and the plant is non-invasive and looks great in any garden setting.

Light Requirements

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but grows best in bright light conditions.

Temperature Requirements

It is a cool-season annual plant that grows best in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C, making it suitable for cultivation in colder regions.

Soil Requirements

S. maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis prefers well-draining moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Avoid waterlogged soils as this can cause root rot and fungal diseases.

Cultivation of Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis

Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis is a small, creeping plant that is ideal for use as a ground cover or between paving stones. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate most soil types and growing conditions.

The best time to plant Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis is in the spring or the fall, when the temperatures are mild and the soil is moist. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering Needs of Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis

Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. During hot and dry weather, the plant may need to be watered daily to prevent drying out. However, care must be taken when watering this plant to avoid waterlogging, which can rot the roots and cause the plant to die.

Fertilization of Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis

Fertilization is not necessary for Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis. The plant is hardy and can survive in nutrient-poor soil. However, if the plant is not growing as quickly as desired, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage growth.

Pruning Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis

Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis does not need to be pruned as it is a low-growing ground cover that does not tend to get out of control. However, if the plant is growing over paved areas, it may need to be trimmed back periodically to prevent it from encroaching on the walkway or steps.

Overall, Sagina Maxima Gray ssp. Crassicaulis is easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for home gardeners and landscapers. With minimal care, this plant can provide a lush carpet of greenery that will add interest and texture to any outdoor space.

Propagation of Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis can be propagated through several methods, such as seed propagation and vegetative propagation.

Seed Propagation

To propagate Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis through seeds, collect fully matured seeds from the parent plant in the late summer to early autumn. The seeds are small and black, with an average size of around 1 mm. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with moist well-draining soil. Then, cover the surface of the soil with a thin layer of vermiculite to prevent the seeds from drying out.

Place the seed tray indoors or a greenhouse with filtered sunlight and maintain a consistent temperature of 15°C to 20°C. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate in about two to three weeks. Once the seedlings reach a height of 3-4cm, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.

Vegetative Propagation

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis can also be propagated through vegetative propagation methods, including root division, stem cuttings, and layering.

To propagate through root division, gently dig up the parent plant, separate the root clumps and replant them in well-draining soil. Water the new plants thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they establish a strong root system.

For stem cuttings, cut several 5-8cm long stem sections with healthy leaves from the parent plant during the growing season. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a pot filled with moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment and maintain consistent soil moisture until it develops roots in about 2-3 weeks. After that, transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

To propagate through layering, identify a healthy and young stem extending low to the ground. Bury the part of the stem without leaves under the soil surface, leaving the part above the ground exposed. Pin the stem to the soil with wire or u-shaped staples. Keep the soil moist and wait for the roots to develop. Once the plant has established new roots, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant it into a new pot or directly into the garden.

Disease Management

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis and can cause leaf drop and defoliation. The disease is recognizable by the black lesions that form on leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove any infected material and destroy it. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease, but preventative measures must be taken to avoid future outbreaks.

Botrytis Blight

Botrytis blight is a fungus that affects Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis and other plants. The disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and blight, which can lead to the loss of the plant. Management of the disease includes improving air circulation in the plant, reducing humidity levels, and removing infected materials. Fungicides can also be used to manage botrytis blight.

Rust

Rust is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis. The disease is characterized by orange-red or brownish spots on leaves and stems. Rust can cause defoliation and stunted growth. To manage rust, it is crucial to manage humidity levels and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be applied to manage rust when necessary.

Pest Management

Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis is also vulnerable to pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that can cause significant damage to Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis. The insects can kill the plant by sucking the sap from leaves and stems. To manage aphids, it is essential to inspect plants regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Companion planting with repellant plants like chives can also deter aphids.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause webbing and stippling on leaves of Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis. The mites can breed rapidly and cause severe damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticides or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

Slugs

Slugs are another potential pest that can damage Sagina maxima Gray ssp. crassicaulis. These pests can leave holes in the leaves of the plant and cause stunted growth. To manage slugs, it is essential to remove any hiding spots, such as weeds, and create an environment that is not hospitable to them. You can also use copper tape or bait traps to control slugs.