Origin
Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall, also known as Riddell's Selaginella, is a fern-like plant found in the southeastern United States. It is native to the coastal plain of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Riddell's Selaginella, as well as Riddell's spikemoss and Riddell's clubmoss.
Uses
Although this plant doesn't have any economic uses, it is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as an addition to floral arrangements. Due to its ability to tolerate low light, it is also grown as a houseplant.
General Appearance
Riddell's Selaginella has a delicate and feathery appearance with a spreading, creeping growth habit. This plant generally reaches a maximum height of 6-8 inches with a spread of 12-18 inches. The leaves are needle-like in appearance and are dark green in color. The plant produces inconspicuous flowers and reproduces via spores. Riddell's Selaginella prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate low light conditions making it a suitable houseplant option.
Growth Conditions of Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii
The Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii is a delicate plant that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. It is often found growing in sandy soil in areas with plenty of sunshine. Below are the growth conditions required for this plant to grow healthy.
Light
One of the crucial factors that determine the growth of Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii is the amount of light it receives. It requires a lot of bright but indirect light, which means placing it near windows that don't receive direct sunlight is the best spot to plant it. Continual exposure to direct sunlight may scorch the plant, causing damage or even death.
Temperature
The Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii grows best at consistent warm temperatures, which makes it an ideal indoor plant. It can withstand temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). However, sudden temperature changes can be detrimental to its growth, so it's best to avoid positioning it near areas with intense heat or draftiness.
Soil Requirements
As mentioned above, Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii prefers sandy soil to grow effectively. The soil should be moist but not overly wet, and it needs to be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which may suffocate the roots. Adding fertilizer to the soil throughout the plant's growing season will help to promote healthy growth.
Overall, by providing Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii with the right amount of sunshine, warm temperatures, and sandy, well-draining soil, you'll be able to grow a healthy and attractive plant that will add life to your indoor space and outdoor landscape.
Cultivation
Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall is grown in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. They prefer to grow in partial shade where the temperature ranges between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). These plants can be propagated through division or spores.
Watering
Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall requires moderate watering throughout the year. It is best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to dry out quickly. During hot and dry seasons, frequent watering may be necessary.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to ensure healthy growth. It is recommended to fertilize your Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall once a month during the growing season using a balanced solution. However, it is important not to over-fertilize as it can cause harm to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall. However, it may require occasional grooming to maintain a desirable look. Any dead or yellowing branches should be removed immediately to promote new growth. Trimming the plant to remove any overgrown branches can also be done, but it should be done sparingly.
Propagation of Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall
Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall, commonly known as Riddell's spikemoss, is a fern that is native to certain areas of the United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through spores or stem cuttings.
Propagation through Spores
Propagation through spores is the traditional method for reproducing Selaginella plants. The spores of the plant are located in the sporangia, which are typically found on the underside of the leaves. These spores can be collected and planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite to create a new plant. The mixture needs to be kept moist and in a warm place until the spores germinate and establish new growth.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii. To create cuttings, select a healthy stem with new growth, and cut a piece that is 2-3 inches long. Remove any leaves at the bottom of the cutting and dip it into a rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting into a potting mix made of peat moss and perlite, and keep the soil moist. Place the cutting in a warm and humid place until the roots are established, and new growth appears.
When propagating Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii, it is important to remember that the plant prefers high humidity levels and acidic soil. By following these guidelines and selecting a suitable propagation method, new plants can be easily established.
Disease Management for Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall
Although Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall is generally a healthy plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases that can harm its growth and appearance. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Root Rot
Excessive moisture in the soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the roots to become brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure good drainage. If root rot occurs, remove the affected parts of the plant and repot it in fresh soil. Additionally, avoid using old soil or soil that has been contaminated with diseases.
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall is vulnerable to cercospora leaf spot, which causes small brown spots to appear on the leaves. These spots can spread and eventually cause the leaves to fall off. To manage cercospora leaf spot, prune the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Additionally, provide adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management for Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall
Similar to other plants, Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall is susceptible to certain pests that can damage its growth and appearance. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small pests that can cause the leaves of Selaginella arenicola Underwood var. riddellii (Van Eselt.) Waterfall to turn yellow and fall off. To get rid of spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap. Additionally, provide adequate ventilation and avoid overcrowding the plant.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, sap-sucking pests that can appear as small bumps on the stems of the plant. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the pests from the plant. Additionally, provide adequate ventilation and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
