Description of Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat.
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat., also known as Grey Spike-moss, is a species of club moss or spike-moss belonging to the Selaginellaceae family. It is a small, herbaceous perennial plant native to Madagascar and other Islands in the Western Indian Ocean.
General Appearance
The plant has a creeping habit and grows up to 20-25 cm tall. The stems are thin and wiry, with a light brown color. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stems and are oval-shaped, typically measuring 2-4 mm long. The leaves are typically greyish-green to brownish-grey in color and have a slightly leathery texture. The plant reproduces by producing spores that develop in small, spike-like structures at the tips of the stems.
Common Names
Selaginella cinerascens is commonly known as Grey Spike-moss or Madagascar Spikemoss. The plant is also known in its native Madagascar as 'Tsiatitsy', which means 'little umbrella', referring to the shape of its fronds.
Uses
Selaginella cinerascens is mainly used for ornamental purposes as it is a popular garden plant due to its attractive green-grey foliage, creeping habit, and adaptability to indoor conditions. In traditional medicine, the plant is believed to have properties that can treat menstrual and respiratory problems, such as cough and bronchitis. In Madagascar, the plant is sometimes used in traditional ceremonies as part of a spiritual cleansing ritual.
Light requirements:
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. typically prefers bright light but not direct sunlight. The plant can tolerate some shade but needs a moderate amount of light to thrive. It is recommended to place the plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight or under fluorescent lights if grown indoors.
Temperature requirements:
The optimum temperature range for Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is between 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but must be protected from frost. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature to prevent stress to the plant.
Soil requirements:
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. thrives in loose, well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range between 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to mix in some perlite or coarse sand to enhance soil drainage and aeration.
Cultivation
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is best grown in a location that receives indirect sunlight, such as a shaded area or near a north-facing window in a house. It grows best in a loose-textured, moist soil mix that holds nutrients and enhances drainage. For effective drainage, mix perlite, sand, or vermiculite in a 2:1 ratio with the soil mix.
Using propagated cuttings, replant Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. in new pots every two years, making sure not to plant too deeply. Keep pots no more than one size larger than the original pot because the plant prefers being slightly root-bound.
Watering Needs
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. prefers consistent moisture, but cannot withstand excessive water or drought. Therefore, do not let the soil dry out completely. Water the plant thoroughly, and allow the water to drain from the pot before replacing it on its drainage saucer. During winter seasons, reduce the watering frequency as the plant may need less water due to decreased sunlight levels and potential cold drafts.
Fertilization
Feed Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. with a balanced fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during the growing season of spring through late summer.
Reduce feeding to only once a month or discontinue entirely during winter months as the plant becomes dormant. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content can result in soft and extended growth that is susceptible to diseases.
Pruning
Pruning Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. enhances the appearance and removes areas of damaged growth. Prune off dead or yellowing fronds by simply plucking them from the base of the plant.
To maintain the plant's desired size or shape, trim back excessive growth by pinching off the ends of stems. Trimming should be done in the early spring or late winter.
Propagation of Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat.
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. can be propagated through spores or stem cuttings. Both methods require specific care to ensure successful propagation.
Propagation through spores
To propagate Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. through spores, the first step is to identify mature sporophylls within the plant's fronds. The sporophylls can be harvested carefully using clean, sharp scissors. The harvested sporophylls should be dried and stored in a cool, dry location until they release their spores.
After the spores are released, they should be carefully collected and sown into a well-draining soil mix. The soil mixture should be kept moist, and the container should be covered with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment. It can take several weeks to several months for the spores to germinate, and it is important to maintain appropriate moisture levels throughout the germination process.
Once the spores have germinated and developed into small plants, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into a larger container for further growth.
Propagation through stem cuttings
To propagate Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem that is several inches long. Cut the stem with a clean, sharp pair of scissors just below a node, where leaves are attached. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting so that only a few remain at the top of the stem.
The cutting should be dipped into a rooting hormone, and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a warm, humid location with filtered light. It can take several weeks for the roots to develop and the cutting to establish itself in the soil.
Once the cutting has established itself, it can be transplanted into a larger container or into the ground for further growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is a relatively disease-resistant plant that is also not prone to pests, making it an ideal choice for gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts. However, there are a few potential diseases and pests that gardeners should be aware of and take steps to prevent.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is root rot. This occurs when the roots are overwatered or the plant is kept in standing water. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining, and only water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Another disease that can affect Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is leaf spot. This appears as small, dark spots on the leaves and can be caused by overwatering or too much humidity. To prevent leaf spot, make sure the plant is not overwatered and is not placed in an area with high humidity.
Pest Management
As previously mentioned, Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is not prone to pests. However, if pests do occur, the most common ones that may affect this plant are mealybugs and spider mites. To manage these pests, it is recommended to simply wipe them off the plant with a damp cloth or spray them with a solution of neem oil and water.
Overall, Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. is a relatively low-maintenance plant when it comes to disease and pest management. By following a few simple precautions and taking quick action if issues do arise, gardeners can enjoy healthy, vibrant Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. plants for years to come.
