Origin
Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii (Van Eselt.) R. Tryon is a species of spikemoss native to sandstone outcrops found in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee in the United States.
Common Names
This species of Selaginella is commonly known as Riddell's Spikemoss or Rock Spikemoss.
Uses
While there are no known medicinal applications for Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii, it is a useful plant for woodland gardens and rock gardens. It can also be grown in containers, though it requires moist soil and bright, indirect light.
General Appearance
Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii is a prostrate or ascending plant that grows up to 10cm tall. It has thin stems that spread and root at the nodes. The leaves are light green, shiny, and scale-like. They are arranged in a spiral around the stem and are 4-8mm long. When grown in bright light, the plant takes on a reddish tinge.
This species of spikemoss forms dense mats and produces small, brown cones on the ends of its stems. The cones are 4-8mm long and contain clustered sporangia that produce spores for reproduction.
Light
Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii prefers partial shade to full shade for its growth. These plants do not do well in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. They thrive in areas under trees or on the north side of a building.
Temperature
The typical growth conditions for Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii are moderate temperatures that range between 15°C and 24°C. In colder seasons, the plant may require some form of heat, such as a space heater or heat lamp, to maintain consistent temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil condition for Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii is moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can grow in both sandy and loamy soils as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Selaginella arenicola is best cultivated in a humid environment with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers well-draining soil with high organic content. The best way to propagate this plant is through spores, which should be sown on top of the soil by sprinkling them lightly. It is also possible to propagate through stem cuttings.Watering Needs
This type of Selaginella requires consistent and frequent watering to maintain high humidity levels. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, and should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done in the early morning to give the plant time to dry before nightfall, which can cause fungal diseases.Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Selaginella arenicola, but if desired, it can be fed with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. The recommended fertilizer is one that is high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus and potassium. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for best results.Pruning
Selaginella arenicola does not require regular pruning, but it can be trimmed if it becomes overgrown or damaged. Using sharp, sterile shears, remove any yellowing or dead leaves from the plant. The stem can also be pruned to encourage bushier growth. However, it is important to avoid pruning too much, as this can damage the plant and cause it to wilt or die.Propagation of Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii (Van Eselt.) R. Tryon
Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii (Van Eselt.) R. Tryon, commonly known as Riddell's spike-moss, is a rare plant species that originates from the sandhills of the southeastern United States. The propagation method for this plant is through spores.
Propagation through spores
To propagate Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii, one should start by collecting spores during the plant's growing season, which is in the spring and summer months. The collected spores should then be sowed onto a suitable medium, such as wet peat moss, where they can germinate and develop into mature plants over time.
To encourage successful germination, the spores require warm temperatures, moisture, and good air circulation. A propagator or a similar device can help regulate these conditions to improve the chances of successful propagation. The seeds can take up to several weeks to germinate, and it usually takes up to a year for the Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii plant to mature.
Once the Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii plants reach maturity, they can be transplanted into a suitable growing environment, such as a terrarium or greenhouse with sufficient light, moisture, and humidity.
It is essential to note that Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii is a slow-growing plant species that requires specific conditions to thrive. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to the plant's environment and adjust it as needed to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management
Selaginella arenicola Underwood ssp. riddellii is generally considered a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, under certain conditions, the plant is susceptible to some diseases.
One common disease that affects Selaginella arenicola is fungal infections. This can cause root rot and affect the overall health of the plant. To prevent fungal infections, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. In addition, fungicides can be applied to the soil to prevent the growth of fungi.
Another disease that can affect Selaginella arenicola is viral infections. Symptoms of viral infections include stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves and abnormal spots. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Selaginella arenicola can also be affected by pests. Common pests that attack the plant include spider mites and scale insects.
Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Symptoms of spider mite infestation include yellow spots on leaves and the presence of fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, the plant can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. Scale insects suck the juices out of the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, the plant can be sprayed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and maintaining proper plant hygiene are important preventative measures to avoid infestations. Additionally, quarantine any new plants before adding them to the garden to prevent the spread of any potential pests or diseases.
