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Description
Selaginella Helvetica, also known as Swiss Clubmoss or Alpine Spikemoss, is a perennial evergreen plant that belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in moist and shaded areas. The plant is characterized by its unique, spiky foliage that resembles tiny pine trees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ————-| ————-| ————-| ————-| ————-| ————-| ————-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Lycopodiophyta| Lycopodiopsida| Selaginellales| Selaginellaceae| Selaginella|
Appearance
Selaginella Helvetica grows up to 10 cm in height and 20 cm in width. Its leaves are small and spiky, measuring around 1 cm in length. The plant has a creeping habit and forms a dense mat of foliage. The leaves are deep green in color and have a glossy texture.
Care Guide
To keep your Selaginella Helvetica healthy, you need to provide it with the right conditions. Here are the care requirements for this plant:Water: Selaginella Helvetica prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.Fertilization: You can fertilize Selaginella Helvetica once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand works well for Selaginella Helvetica.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Keep it in a location that receives indirect light or in a shaded area.Hardiness Zones: Selaginella Helvetica is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Selaginella Helvetica is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Selaginella Helvetica is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in moist and shaded areas. The plant can be found in alpine meadows, rock crevices, and forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Selaginella Helvetica a good indoor plant?
A: Yes, Selaginella Helvetica can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with the right conditions.Q: Can Selaginella Helvetica be grown in a terrarium?
A: Yes, Selaginella Helvetica is a good plant for terrariums as it prefers moist and humid environments.Q: How often should I water Selaginella Helvetica?
A: Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Selaginella Helvetica?
A: Selaginella Helvetica is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Selaginella Helvetica:- Selaginella Apoda- Selaginella Uncinata- Selaginella Kraussiana- Selaginella Lepidophylla
References
– Flora of North America: Selaginella Helvetica- The Plant List: Selaginella Helvetica- Missouri Botanical Garden: Selaginella Helvetica
