Overview
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is a lichenized fungus belonging to the family Ostropaceae. The lichen has a crust-like thallus that grows on bark, wood or rock found in the temperate and tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
Common Names
Thelotrema lathraeum is commonly known as the "Variable Lichen".
General Appearance
The Variable Lichen typically has a smooth, grayish-green crust-like thallus that expands and contracts according to moisture conditions. It can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and has small, black, flat to slightly convex apothecia (fruiting bodies) dispersed across its surface. The apothecia produce black spores that are dispersed by the wind to grow into new lichen.
Uses
Thelotrema lathraeum is not used for any commercial or medicinal purposes but is useful as an indicator for air pollution. This lichen is very sensitive to environmental disturbances and can be easily affected by corticolous pollutants, heavy metals, and acid rain. Scientists use this lichen as a bioindicator to monitor air quality in urban environments for environmental studies.
Growth Conditions for Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck.
Light: Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. thrives in moderate to high light intensities. It can grow in partially shaded areas but prefers direct exposure to sunlight. Adequate light is essential for its growth and reproductive processes.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. growth is between 20 to 30°C. It can survive lower temperatures of up to 10°C but growth is significantly inhibited. It cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing as its tissues will be irreversibly damaged.
Soil: Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is not soil-specific and can grow on a variety of substrates including rocks, bark, and soil. It prefers substrates that retain moisture but have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. The presence of organic matter contributes to its growth and provides nutrients for its metabolic processes.
Humidity: Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. prefers humid environments with relative humidity above 80%. It can grow in drier environments but requires regular misting or watering to maintain its moisture levels.
Cultivation methods
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is a type of lichen that grows naturally on rocks, tree bark, and other substrates in humid, tropical climates. To cultivate it, you'll need a small rock or piece of tree bark, as well as a spray bottle filled with water.
Start by selecting a location that is shaded from direct sunlight, and then find an appropriate rock or tree bark fragment that can serve as your planting substrate.
Mist the rock or bark fragment with water until it is saturated, and then sprinkle the Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. fragments on top of it. Press them down gently to secure them to the substrate.
Place the substrate in the shaded location and spray it with water once a day to keep it moist. After a few weeks, the lichens will begin to grow and spread across the surface of the substrate.
Watering needs
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. prefers a humid environment, so it's important to keep the plant moist. Water it once a day with a spray bottle, making sure not to let the substrate dry out.
Be careful not to over-water, as this can cause the lichen to turn mushy or rot. If the substrate starts to appear waterlogged, reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. doesn't require fertilizer, since it obtains its nutrients from the surrounding air and rainwater. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, as they can harm the delicate plant.
Pruning
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. doesn't require pruning since it grows slowly and doesn't usually become overgrown. Occasionally, a piece of the lichen may die off, which you can simply remove with a pair of small scissors.
However, it's important to give the lichen enough space to grow without interference from other plants or objects. Don't place the substrate too close to other plants, and make sure it has plenty of ventilation to prevent the lichen from becoming too humid and suffocating.
Propagation of Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck.
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. can be propagated by using various techniques, which include:
Sowing seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is through sowing its seeds. The seeds are usually found on the thallus and can be scattered on the surface of a suitable substrate. It is important to ensure that the substrate is moist and well-draining. The seeds should be exposed to bright, indirect light and maintained at a temperature of around 20-25°C. The seeds will take a few weeks to germinate, and once they have produced a few leaves, they can be transplanted into their growth medium.
Vegatative propagation
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. can be propagated through vegetative propagation, which involves taking a cutting of the plant and allowing it to develop roots. This method is often used for large-scale propagation of the plant. The cutting should be taken from the non-reproductive part of the thallus, and the cutting should be allowed to dry out for a few hours before being planted in a suitable substrate.
Division
Another method of propagating Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is through division, which involves separating a portion of the thallus and planting it in a suitable substrate. This method is useful for propagating mature plants that have become too large for their pot or substrate. The plant should be removed from its pot or substrate, and the thallus can be carefully separated into smaller pieces, each with some roots attached. These smaller pieces can be planted in their own pot or substrate and placed in a shaded area until they have produced new growth.
Overall, Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with the right conditions and care, it will thrive and produce beautiful foliage.
Disease and Pest Management for Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck.
Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck., commonly known as the rockflower lichen, is a small, crustose lichen that is commonly found on dry, rocky habitats. Like all plants, the rockflower lichen is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage these issues to ensure a healthy and thriving population of Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is lichen necrosis. Lichen necrosis is a fungal disease that affects many different types of lichen, including Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. Symptoms of the disease include yellow or brown discoloration, a rapid decline in growth, and eventually death of the lichen. To manage lichen necrosis, the affected plants must be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that can affect Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is lichen powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many different types of plants, including lichens. Its symptoms include the formation of white powdery growth on the surface of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, affected specimens must be treated with a fungicidal spray, and the surrounding area must be kept dry.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. is the lichen moth. The larvae of these moths feed on the thallus of the lichen, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage lichen moths, regular monitoring and physical removal of the larvae might be required.
Another common pest that can affect Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck is the lichen mite. These tiny mites will also feed on the thallus of the lichen, which can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage lichen mites, the affected areas should be sprayed with a suitable insecticide.
In conclusion, by keeping a close eye on the plants, preventing moist or humid conditions, and using the above management strategies can help keep Thelotrema lathraeum Tuck. healthy and free from common pests and diseases.
