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Description
Selaginella Delicatula, commonly known as the Delicate Clubmoss or the Moss Fern, is a species of fern-like plant that belongs to the family Selaginellaceae. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, and it grows in moist and shaded areas such as forests, cliffs, and stream banks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Lycopodiophyta |
| Class | Selaginellopsida |
| Order | Selaginellales |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus | Selaginella |
Appearance
The Selaginella Delicatula has a unique appearance, with its small and delicate leaves that grow in a spiral pattern around its stem. The leaves are green and have a velvety texture, with a length of about 0.5 to 1 cm. This plant can grow up to 15 cm in height and has a creeping habit. It produces small, spiky cones that contain its reproductive spores.
Care Guide
The Selaginella Delicatula is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:
- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilization: You can fertilize this plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers shaded areas or indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in hardiness zones 6 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Selaginella Delicatula is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. You can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. To prevent it, make sure to water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Habitat
The Selaginella Delicatula is native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. It grows in moist and shaded areas such as forests, cliffs, and stream banks. It is often found growing on rocks or on the ground, and it can also grow as an epiphyte on other plants.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Selaginella Delicatula an indoor or outdoor plant?
A: The Selaginella Delicatula can be grown both indoors and outdoors, as long as it is kept in a shaded area and provided with moist soil.
Q: How often should I water my Selaginella Delicatula?
A: You should water your Selaginella Delicatula regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Q: Can I propagate my Selaginella Delicatula?
A: Yes, you can propagate your Selaginella Delicatula by dividing the plant and replanting the sections in fresh soil.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for the Selaginella Delicatula?
A: The Selaginella Delicatula prefers a temperature range of 18 to 24°C.
Related Plants
- Selaginella Martensii
- Selaginella Uncinata
- Selaginella Kraussiana
- Selaginella Apoda
References
- “Selaginella delicatula.” Encyclopedia of Life, eol.org/pages/1081000/details. Accessed 2 May 2021.
- “Selaginella delicatula.” PlantZAfrica, pza.sanbi.org/selaginella-delicatula/. Accessed 2 May 2021.
- “Selaginella delicatula.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/selaginella-delicatula. Accessed 2 May 2021.
