Overview
Selago innata Markötter, commonly known as Club Moss, is a species of perennial herb that belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. This plant is known for its unique characteristics that make it stand out from other species of Selaginella.
Origin
Selago innata Markötter is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the eastern part of the country. It is also found in countries like Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Mozambique. This plant typically grows in rocky areas, open grasslands, and on the banks of rivers and streams.
Common Names
Aside from Club Moss, Selago innata Markötter is also known as 'Bush Shrimp', 'Shrimp Plant', and 'Innate Spike-Moss' due to its spiky appearance that resembles a shrimp's tail.
Uses
The plant is not commonly used in traditional medicine due to its toxic properties. However, Club Moss is used in the horticultural industry as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. The plant is also known for its ability to thrive in low-light environments, making it ideal for use in terrariums.
General Appearance
Selago innata Markötter is a small, creeping plant that typically grows up to 20cm in height. Its stem is erect, branched, and forms a dense mat of slender, bright green leaves. The leaves are typically lance-shaped, with the upper part of the leaf being slightly wider than the lower part. The plant has a distinctive spiky appearance due to its leaves' shape, which taper to a point at the end. The leaves also have a velvety texture due to the presence of tiny hairs on the surface.
Growth Conditions of Selago innata Markötter
Selago innata Markötter is commonly known as Silver Carpet or Spreading Heath. It is a perennial evergreen plant that belongs to the family Ericaceae and is native to South Africa.
Light
The plant requires full sunlight for optimal growth, but it can tolerate partial shade. The plant must be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote healthy growth.
Temperature
The plant requires moderate temperatures for optimal growth. The temperature range must be between 15°C-30°C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and must be protected from frost and high heat.
Soil Requirements
Selago innata Markötter requires well-draining soil for optimal growth. The soil must be enriched with organic matter and be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 4.5-6.5.
The plant is adapted to grow in poor soil conditions, but it requires good drainage to prevent root rot. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil and must be planted in a raised bed or container if the soil is not well-drained.
Overall, Selago innata Markötter is an easy-to-grow plant that requires moderate upkeep and adapts well to a variety of growing conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Selago innata Markötter
Selago innata Markötter is a small, perennial plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage. The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs for Selago innata Markötter
Selago innata Markötter requires consistent moisture, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and increase the frequency during hot and dry weather. Be careful not to wet the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Selago innata Markötter
Apply a balanced fertilizer to Selago innata Markötter every four to six weeks during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients gradually. Avoid over-fertilization, which could lead to salt buildup and damage the roots.
Pruning of Selago innata Markötter
To keep Selago innata Markötter compact and bushy, pinch back the tips of the stems regularly. This will encourage branching and promote fuller growth. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems as soon as possible to prevent the problems from spreading.
Propagation of Selago innata Markötter
Selago innata Markötter is a low-growing herbaceous plant native to South Africa. It is usually propagated via seeds or cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Selago innata Markötter. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting mix in early spring, and kept moist but not waterlogged. The pots should be placed in a warm environment with filtered sunlight, and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be pricked out into individual pots and grown on until they reach a suitable size to be planted in their final position in the garden or a permanent pot.
Vegetative propagation
Selago innata Markötter can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer are the best option. The cuttings, which should be 10-15 cm long, should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be placed in a warm, shaded environment and watered regularly.
After a month or so, the cuttings should start developing roots and, once the roots are established, they should be potted up into individual pots and grown on until they reach a suitable size to be planted in their final position in the garden or a permanent pot.
Propagation should be done with caution because Selago innata Markötter requires special growing conditions to thrive.
Disease and Pest Management for Selago innata Markötter
Selago innata Markötter, also known as the Cape Selago, is a flowering plant native to South Africa. While it is generally a hardy plant, it can sometimes fall victim to diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Selago innata Markötter is root rot, which is caused by over-watering or poorly draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from the soil and trim away any affected roots before repotting in fresh soil.
Another disease that can affect Selago innata Markötter is leaf spot, which causes dark, circular spots on the leaves. This can be caused by a number of fungi and bacteria. To manage leaf spot, remove any affected leaves immediately and avoid getting water on the foliage when watering. You can also apply a fungicide spray to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Selago innata Markötter can also be susceptible to a few different pests. One of the most common is spider mites, which are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and brown. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant and spray the foliage with a strong stream of water to knock off any insects. You can also apply a miticide spray to kill off the infestation.
Another pest that can affect Selago innata Markötter is whiteflies, which are small, flying insects that leave behind a sticky residue on the foliage. To manage whiteflies, you can use yellow sticky traps to catch them, or apply an insecticide spray to kill them off. It's also important to remove any affected leaves or plants to prevent the spread of the infestation.
By keeping an eye out for these diseases and pests and taking action to manage them promptly, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Selago innata Markötter plant.
