How to grow potted Selaginella uncinata? Keep these care methods in mind
Selaginella uncinata, also known as dragon whiskers, blue grass, green velvet grass, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Selaginella in the family Selaginellaceae. Its graceful form and blue-green fluorescence are pleasing to the eye. In the south it is an excellent ground cover plant, and it is also suitable for potted viewing in the north. Planting it in strips in planting troughs gives even better results, and it is also an ideal material for covering the surface of orchid pots. Now let us take a look at how to grow potted Selaginella uncinata!
Growth habits of Selaginella uncinata
Selaginella uncinata originally grows in humus-rich soil under mountain valley forests or among shaded, damp weeds by streams, as well as in rock caves, on wet stones or in stone crevices. It prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment. The potting soil should be loose, permeable and rich in humus. It can be mixed in equal parts with leaf mold or peat, loam and plain sand. During the growing period, pay attention to spraying water to maintain high air humidity. Its ideal growth temperature is 10-26°C. In winter the temperature must not be lower than 5°C. During the growing period, apply liquid fertilizer once a month.
Propagation methods of Selaginella uncinata
Cutting propagation of Selaginella uncinata is very simple and easy to succeed. Just choose a shaded, damp spot (artificial shading is also fine), keep the soil constantly moist, cut stems and branches of Selaginella uncinata about 10 cm long, and lay them flat on the damp ground. There is no need to bury them in soil; simply spray them with water, and before long they will take root and survive. Once established and alive, extensive management is enough. The only thing is that its water requirements are somewhat higher; it should be kept moist rather than dry. After 2-3 months it will grow luxuriantly.
How to grow potted Selaginella uncinata?
1. Soil: Selaginella uncinata requires loose, fertile, well-drained soil, with leaf mold being best. For potting, use loose, permeable soil rich in humus. It can be mixed in equal parts with leaf mold or peat, loam and plain sand.
2. Watering: Selaginella uncinata likes moisture. During the growing period, pay attention to spraying water and maintaining high air humidity to keep the leaves fresh and graceful. Water at fixed times every day, and often use a sprayer to spray water vapor to maintain leaf surface humidity, which helps it grow more vigorously.
3. Fertilizing: Selaginella uncinata is generally fertilized in spring and autumn each year. Spring fertilization can promote earlier greening and reduce damage. The fertilizer should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. To provide a continuous supply of nutrients, long-acting nitrogen fertilizer should be the main type.
4. Temperature: Selaginella uncinata likes warmth and grows well at around 20°C. The overwintering temperature is 5°C. The ideal suitable growth temperature is 10-15°C at night and 21-26°C during the day. Special attention should be paid to shading.
5. Light: Selaginella uncinata likes semi-shade. In midsummer, pay attention to shading; it must not be exposed to the sun, otherwise the plant is likely to scorch and die. Be sure to provide shade. Strong light will cause its blue-green color to disappear and affect its ornamental value.
6. Diseases: When Selaginella uncinata suffers from leaf spot disease, the leaves initially show round black spots, which later expand into round or nearly round spots, and the leaves finally turn black, dry up and die. Use 50% carbendazim 1000-fold solution, 50% thiophanate-methyl 1000-fold solution, 200-fold Bordeaux mixture and other agents for spray control.