Origin and Common Names
Verrucaria submersa Schaerer, also known as the submerged wart lichen, is a species of lichen found in freshwater habitats across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Japan and Siberia.
It is commonly called "submerged wart lichen" due to the wart-like appearance on its thallus and its submerged habitat.
Appearance
The thallus of V. submersa Schaerer is membranous, olive-green to brown in color, and is immersed or submersed in freshwater habitats. The surface of the thallus is rough and warty, and appears as small bumps raised above the thallus surface. These "warts" contain reproductive structures known as perithecia, which house the asci and spores of the lichen.
Uses
As with many lichens, Verrucaria submersa Schaerer has not been extensively studied for its medicinal or industrial uses. However, it is known to play an important role in freshwater ecosystems, particularly as a food source for aquatic invertebrates and as a bioindicator of water quality.
In addition, V. submersa Schaerer has been the subject of ecological studies that investigate the role of lichens in freshwater ecosystems and the impacts of changing environmental conditions on lichen composition and abundance.
Light Requirements
Verrucaria submersaSchaerer is an aquatic plant that requires adequate light intensity for healthy growth. As a submerged plant, it requires full to partial sunlight. The plant can survive and grow well even in relatively low light conditions. If the light conditions are too high, the plants can become prone to algal growth and other water contaminants.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Verrucaria submersa Schaerer growth is between 12°C to 22°C. The plant can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, including very low temperatures. When exposed to high temperatures above the optimum temperature range, the plant may experience heat stress leading to stunted growth and even death. Temperatures below the ideal range can also hinder healthy growth and development
Soil Requirements
Verrucaria submersa Schaerer plants do not grow in soil. They are water plants and require a proper growing medium or substrate. Sandy loam, peat moss, or clay are suitable growing media that provide the plants with the necessary nutrients required for growth. The substrate should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging and improve oxygen supply to the roots. The ideal pH range for the substrate should be between 7 and 8.
Cultivation Methods
Verrucaria submersa grows well in aquatic environments with low to medium light intensity. The plant can be cultivated in freshwater or brackish water aquariums. It thrives best in a substrate of sand or fine gravel. It is important to provide the plant with adequate light since it lacks chloroplasts, and thus, cannot photosynthesize without proper light. CO2 supplementation can also be beneficial.
Watering Needs
Verrucaria submersa requires frequent water changes since it is adapted to growing in flowing water habitats. Weekly water changes of about 25% are recommended. It is important to maintain stable water parameters, including temperature, pH, and hardness, which should be within the range of 72-78°F, 6.8-7.5 pH, and 8-12 KH, respectively.
Fertilization
Verrucaria submersa does not have specific fertilizer requirements, but it benefits from nutrients supplied by the substrate and water column. Iron, potassium, and nitrogen are important macronutrients that should be provided through substrate fertilizers, root tabs, or liquid fertilizers. It is important to avoid adding too many nutrients, which can lead to algae growth or nutrient toxicity.
Pruning
Regular pruning is recommended to prevent Verrucaria submersa from overgrowing and shading other plants. The plant can be trimmed using sharp scissors or aquascaping tools. Only remove the parts that are dead, brown, or damaged, and avoid cutting too much at once. The cut stems can be replanted in the substrate to propagate the plant.
Propagation of Verrucaria submersa Schaerer
Propagation of Verrucaria submersa Schaerer can be done through two methods, sexual and asexual propagation.
Sexual propagation
In sexual propagation, the plant produces zygotes (fertilized eggs), which develop into new plants. This method of propagation requires the plant to flower and produce seeds to start a new generation of plants. The seeds of Verrucaria submersa Schaerer are very small and dispersed by water currents. They settle on a suitable substrate and grow into new plants.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation or vegetative propagation refers to the process of producing a new plant from a fragment of the parent plant. Verrucaria submersa Schaerer can reproduce asexually through fragmentation. This happens when a part of the plant breaks off due to various natural causes like environmental disturbance and water flow. The detached part then grows into a new plant provided it has access to a suitable substrate and optimal conditions for growth. Another asexual propagation method for Verrucaria submersa Schaerer is thallus fragmentation. In this method, the plant's main body is carefully cut into small pieces that are then planted into moist, nutrient-rich substrates. The fragments will develop into new plants assimilating nutrients from the substrate.
Disease Management for Verrucaria Submersa Schaerer
Verrucaria submersa Schaerer is generally a healthy plant and not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are some diseases that can affect this plant, especially in adverse conditions, including:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to become spotted and eventually drop off. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Mildew
Mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white powder on the leaves. To prevent mildew, avoid overwatering and ensure adequate sunlight and airflow around the plant. If mildew is present, remove and dispose of infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management for Verrucaria Submersa Schaerer
Verrucaria submersa Schaerer is generally resistant to most pests. However, some pests may still pose a threat to the plant, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To control aphids, prune infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that infest the leaves and suck the sap from the plant. To control spider mites, increase humidity by misting the plant regularly, prune infected leaves, and use acaricides or insecticidal soap.
