Overview
Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica, also known as smooth spikemoss or Persian shield, is a species of evergreen fern which belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. This plant is commonly found in moist and rocky areas in the southeastern United States and is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes.
General Appearance
The Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica is a small plant that grows up to 6-10 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. It has thin, green stems that branch out and form a lacy, delicate appearance. The leaves are minute, scale-like and arranged in rows along the stem. The plant's spores are borne in spike-like structures (strobili) at the tips of some branches.
Common Names
The Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica is commonly known as smooth spikemoss, creeping spikemoss, garden spikemoss, variegated spikemoss, or Persian shield.
Uses
The Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica is mostly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and interior decoration. It requires very little maintenance and grows well in moist, shaded areas. The plant is also known to be a natural insect repellent and is sometimes used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic and wound healer.
Light Requirements
Selaginella mutica typically prefers moist, shaded areas with diffused light. This plant can tolerate low light conditions but requires some indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching or drying out of the plant, so it's important to keep it away from hot, sunny windows.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Selaginella mutica is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). This plant cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold and should be kept away from drafty areas and air conditioning units. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to wilt or die.
Soil Requirements
Selaginella mutica prefers well-draining, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. A good soil medium should consist of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months since the lower temperatures and less light can slow down the plant's growth.
Cultivation method for Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica
Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. However, it is known to thrive better indoors due to its origin in tropical regions. To start the cultivation process, source a healthy plant, preferably one that has already been grown indoors.
Watering Needs of Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica
Watering the Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica should be done twice a week, but it is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage. This plant requires moist soil. Overwatering causes root rot, leading to the plant's death. To ensure that the plant has the ideal soil moisture content, water it until the soil is slightly damp.
Fertilization of Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica
The Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica requires a high-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing period. A nitrogen fertilizer aids in the growth of healthy foliage. Fertilizers should be provided once every month, starting from the beginning of spring until the end of summer.
Pruning Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica
Contact with the foliage stimulates the plant's growth, which is why pruning helps the Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica remain healthy. From time to time, it is necessary to remove dying leaves and keep the Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica tidy. When pruning, avoid cutting the plant too much since it could lead to damage to the plant. Instead, take care to remove the just the right amount of foliage if necessary.
Propagation of Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica
Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica can be propagated by spores or vegetative means.
Propagation by spores
Propagation through spores requires patience and attention to detail, as the process can take several months. First, collect the spores of the plant by cutting off a mature stem with sporangia (spore-bearing structures) and placing it upside down in a paper bag until the sporangia release the spores.
Next, prepare a container with a well-draining potting mix and sprinkle the spores on top of the soil. Mist the soil with water to keep it consistently moist and cover the container with plastic wrap to create a humid environment.
Keep the container in a bright, indirect light and maintain a temperature of around 70°F. After a few weeks, small green sprouts should appear from the spores. Continue to provide consistent moisture and light until the sprouts are large enough to transplant to individual pots.
Propagation by vegetative means
Propagation by vegetative means involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in soil. First, select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut a 6-inch section at a 45-degree angle. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a container with well-draining potting soil and water thoroughly. Cover the container with plastic wrap to increase humidity and place it in a bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots. Once a strong root system has developed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger container or planted directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica
Selaginella mutica D.C. Eat. ex Underwood var. mutica, commonly known as Spikemoss, is a relatively hardy plant with very few disease and pest problems. However, it can still be affected by a few common issues, especially if grown under unfavorable conditions.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Selaginella mutica is root rot. This occurs when the soil remains too wet for too long and can cause the plant's roots to deteriorate, leading to wilting and death. To prevent root rot, be sure to use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Another disease to watch out for is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that presents as a white powdery substance on the leaves, and it can stunt the growth of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, be sure to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation, and avoid watering from above.
Common Pests
While Selaginella mutica is relatively pest-resistant, a few pests can still become a problem, especially when the plant is grown indoors. Spider mites and mealybugs are two common pests to watch out for. Spider mites can cause tiny webs to form on the plant's branches, while mealybugs appear as small white cottony masses on the leaves and stems. To eliminate these pests, wipe or spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap. Alternatively, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Caterpillars and snails can also feast on Selaginella mutica's delicate foliage. Insecticides can be used against these pests, or they can be manually picked off the plant and disposed of.
Overall, Selaginella mutica is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires minimal disease and pest management. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your Spikemoss remains healthy and happy.
