Origin of Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed
Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed is a plant species that is native to Mexico, specifically in the states of Coahuila, Chihuahua, and Durango. It was first described by Hieronymus in 1903, and later reclassified by Carlotta Reed in 1953.
Common Names of Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed
Common names for Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed are not widely known. However, it may also be referred to as Standley's spike-moss.
Uses of Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed
Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed has limited uses in the medical and herbal industry. Some species of Selaginella plants are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including fever, cough, and inflammation. In addition, Selaginella plants are commonly used in terrariums and as ornamental plants in gardens.
General Appearance of Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed
Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed is a small evergreen plant that reaches a height of about 3-8 cm. It has dense, fine-textured, needle-like foliage that is arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and are dark green in color. The plant prefers a shaded habitat and well-drained soil. It is considered vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss.
Light Requirements
Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed prefers bright, indirect light. As an understory plant, direct sunlight can scorch its fronds. Therefore, a semi-shaded area with filtered light would be ideal.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives best in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed is between 18-24°C (64-75°F). This plant is not frost-tolerant and needs to be kept away from cold drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed requires well-drained, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally around 5.5-7.0. It is also recommended to add a layer of peat moss to the top of the soil to help retain moisture. This plant benefits from not being allowed to dry out completely but at the same time does not appreciate being overwatered.
Cultivation
Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed, commonly known as Standley's spikemoss, is a beautiful plant to have at home. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some exposure to direct sunlight. This plant prefers a humid environment and needs to be planted in well-draining soil.
You can cultivate this plant in a container using peat moss, perlite and sand mix or any other recommended commercial potting soil mix. Standley's spikemoss should be kept moist throughout the year by ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.
Watering needs
Standley's spikemoss is a very thirsty plant and requires consistent watering to thrive. It is essential to water the plant's soil when it is dry to the touch, about an inch deep. You can monitor the amount of water the plant gets by checking the soil's moisture level using a soil moisture meter or by inserting your finger vertically into the soil.
Ensure Standley's spikemoss doesn't suffer from drought or overwatering that may cause root rot. Ensure the plant's soil is moist but never too wet by watering it once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and temperature in your area.
Fertilization
Standley's spikemoss is an evergreen plant and requires some nutrients to thrive. It would be best if you used a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 blend, during the growing period.
During the growing period, apply this fertilizer every month, reducing the frequency when the plant is not growing. Avoid fertilizing the plant in winter months or during dormant periods.
Pruning
Standley's spikemoss doesn't require pruning or trimming, but it may grow out of shape and look shaggy. If you want to maintain the plant's appearance, you can prune it by removing the dead or yellowing leaves.
Ensure the leaves you are cutting are entirely brown and dead, and use sharp and sterile shears. Avoid cutting the stems' tips as this may kill the plant.
You can also propagate the plant by pruning, using the stem tips, and planting them in soil and keeping them moist. Ensure the plant is in a moist environment by covering it with a plastic bag or clear plastic lid until it develops new growth.
Propagation of Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed
Propagating Selaginella engelmannii var. standleyi can be done through several methods, including spores and stem cuttings. However, spore propagation is the most common method used to propagate this plant species.
Propagation by Spores
Spores are tiny, dust-like structures found on the underside of the plant's leaves. To propagate Selaginella engelmannii var. standleyi using spores, collect mature spores by gently tapping the foliage of the plant onto a piece of paper. Ensure that the spores are completely dry before sowing them onto sterilized soilless mix or peat moss. Mist the mixture with water and cover it with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep the tray in a warm, bright place while the spores germinate. It may take a few weeks to months for the spores to germinate.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is possible but this method is not commonly used for Selaginella engelmannii var. standleyi. To propagate through stem cuttings, take a cutting of the stem during the plant's growing season. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves on top. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and plant it into a moist soilless mix or peat moss. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to maintain moisture and increase humidity. Place the container in a well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight. The cutting should take root in a few weeks if placed in the appropriate conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed
Although Selaginella engelmannii Hieron. var. standleyi (Maxon) C.F. Reed is relatively disease-resistant, it can still fall victim to some common diseases and pests. Early detection and prompt action can prevent the spread of these issues and keep Selaginella healthy and thriving in your garden or home.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases to affect Selaginella is fungal leaf spot. This disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually increase in size. To manage this disease, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not allow water to pool near the plant. Avoid overhead watering and keep foliage as dry as possible. Remove infected leaves and destroy them, ensuring not to leave diseased plant debris on the ground. Applying a fungicide labeled for use on Selaginella plants can also help control the spread of fungal leaf spot.
Another disease that can affect Selaginella is root rot. Root rot is caused by various fungi that thrive in wet, poorly aerated soils. It can cause the plant to wilt, yellow, and decline overall. To prevent root rot, ensure adequate soil drainage, plant Selaginella in soil with a high proportion of perlite, and avoid overwatering.
Common Pests
Some common pests that may affect Selaginella include spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and leaf drop. To manage spider mite infestations, use a forceful spray of water to knock them off the plant or apply an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray.
Scale insects are armored pests that feed on the sap of plant tissue. They appear as small bumps on stems and leaves and can cause leaf yellowing and premature leaf drop. To control scale, use a horticultural oil spray or insecticidal soap. For severe infestations, it may be necessary to prune and dispose of heavily infested parts of the plant.
Regularly inspecting Selaginella for signs of disease or pest problems can help you catch issues early and take prompt, appropriate action to manage them, helping your plant stay healthy and beautiful.
