Selaginella: structural features and care

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Selaginella belongs to the Selaginella family. Homeland – tropics and subtropics of the globe.

In the XVIII century. one species of club moss was named Lycopodium selago by the Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus. Subsequently, a diminutive suffix was added to the species name selago, and a different, longer word designated the genus Selaginella .

The Selaginella order belongs to the class of heterosporous hemispheres (Isoetopsida) .

Selaginella are represented by one family (Selaginellaceae) with one genus (Selaginella) , which unites about 700 species of exclusively herbaceous plants, the vast majority of which are confined to humid tropical and subtropical forests, and only 8 species are found in Russia.

Structural features of the Selaginella fern

Herbaceous perennial ground cover spore plant, mainly with creeping and ascending shoots, from which numerous root outgrowths extend.

The stems are brown or almost red, easily rooted in the ground, with tightly pressed green two-row, tiled, small (about 0.5 cm) leaves.

The structure of the leaves of Selaginella is such that they are arranged in 4 rows, with the upper leaves being small and the lower ones somewhat larger, which creates the effect of a leaf mosaic.

Rhizophores (root-bearers) depart from the stems, on which thin branching roots are located in bunches. Selaginella is a heterosporous plant. On spore-bearing spikelets, 2 types of spores are formed – micro- and megaspores, respectively, 2 types of outgrowths develop from them: male and female.

The stem is covered with epidermis without stomata. The cortex is well defined and consists of parenchymal cells. The stele (protostele: xylem is surrounded by phloem) is located in the central part and is suspended on single-row chlorophyll-bearing filaments – trabeculae extending from the endoderm.

When describing Selaginella, we also note the fact that the spore-bearing spikelet consists of an axis on which micro- and megasporophylls are located. On their upper side there is one reniform, respectively, micro- or megasporangium.

As a result of reduction division, many small microspores are formed in microsporangia. From the microspore, a strongly reduced male gametophyte is formed, represented by only one vegetative cell and a reduced eight-celled antheridium, giving rise to biflagellated spermatozoa. Megasporangia produce 4 megaspores. The female outgrowth passes the initial stages of its development under the shell of the megaspore. Under the pressure of the growing outgrowth, the shell of the megaspore bursts, and part of the gametophyte protrudes out through the three-beam slit. Archegonia and rhizoids are laid on the free surface of the growth. Fertilization occurs in the presence of water.
The selaginella flower is cultivated mainly in humid tropical greenhouses (18–20 degrees), in indoor greenhouses or near aquariums. Plants thrive best in light shade.

The root system is shallow, so they are grown in low bowls.

These plants are considered one of the most amazing plants on the planet. Many representatives of this genus are inhabitants of the humid tropics, growing mainly in shaded places. They have thin leaves with a black or dark blue metallic sheen.

It is noteworthy that Selaginella plants tolerate shade very well, they can grow and develop perfectly in conditions of strong shading. In such conditions, only bryophytes can compete with them. Their shoots do not die in almost complete darkness and do not rot from a long stay in the water.
If Selaginella grows in light and dry areas, their shoots coarsen, the stems have a brown or red tint, and the leaves become gray-green. Selaginella species, which thrive in very dry and heavily lit areas, exhibit unusual properties in extreme drought conditions. Their lateral leaves are wrapped on the upper side of the stem, and the shoots themselves are twisted towards the center of the plant, the plant is, as it were, “packed”.

In this state, a twisted, compressed plant, without much harm to itself, endures adverse conditions – very dry, heavily lit places. With the first drops of rain, the shoots unwind, the leaves unfold, and the whole fern comes to life.

Transitions from an almost lifeless state to active life can be observed in Selaginella scaly, growing in the stony deserts of America.
In the Far East in Russia and in East Asia, the tamarisk-leaved selaginella, which looks like a scaly one, grows, usually settling in rock crevices. This plant can also almost die and then come back to life.
On gravel slopes, placers and in the stony tundra of Eastern Siberia up to 72 ° N. sh. an extremely hardy species of Selaginella sibirica grows.

The shape of the shoots of different species of these ferns is different: the shoot is creeping, creeping, lodging, or ascending, climbing, almost upright.

The length of the shoots is also different, depending on the growing conditions.

In such small plants as selaginella selagoid, the stem diameter is about 1 mm, and the height of the shoots reaches only 10 cm.

In another species, Selaginella sublime, the diameter of the stems is 0.5–0.8 cm, and the height of the almost erect stem is up to 1 m.

In the desert area in its homeland, the Selaginella fern is forced to adapt to frequent and very long (often more than a year) droughts. The plant has learned to distinguish between wet, favorable periods for its growth and periods of dry weather, when the conditions of existence become extremely harsh.
Since the difference between them is manifested, first of all, in the unequal moisture content in the air, it was necessary to use this circumstance to create such technical means that would help the plant survive in drought conditions. During dry periods, one of the Selaginella species found in Mexico rolls up into a dry ball, somewhat reminiscent of a bird’s nest. Hence its name – “nesting moss”.

With an increase in the dryness of the air, the fern curls up into a ball. All vital functions are almost completely suspended.

Even chlorophyll immediately moves deep into the cell, due to which the dry lump acquires a yellowish-brown color. It looks like the plant has died. But it’s not. Its spherical shape ensures the smallest external surface area, thus minimizing water loss. As soon as the rain passes, be it in a few weeks, months or even a year, the plant will begin to unfold just as quickly, and in just a quarter of an hour a rosette, flat in shape and shimmering in bright green, will lie on the ground.
plants.
How does the fern carry out this complex of vital movements? The very dryness, from the lack of which the plant is forced to defend itself, it uses in order to shrink into an inconspicuous lump, and the very moisture that makes normal life and growth of the plant organism possible, supplies it with the energy so necessary to open the outlet. The principle applied by Selaginella is remarkably simple.
On the outer surface of its branches are tiny scales that can easily and quickly absorb water and at the same time stretch strongly. On the outer surface of its branches are tiny scales that can easily and quickly absorb water and at the same time stretch strongly. For this reason, with fluctuations in air humidity, the plant, respectively, either curls up or unfolds, renewing its growth. This mechanism works exceptionally reliably: even after the death of an individual, it does not cease to function.
In rainy times, Selaginella quickly unfolds. Instead of a ball, we see an already flat rosette of a plant lying on the surface.
soil. The following describes what different types of plants look like.

Variety of Selaginella species: photo and description

Selaginella Selaginella selaginoides (L.) Link is a small loose soddy plant 5–8 cm tall. The leaves are lanceolate, 2-3 mm long, with needle-shaped teeth along the edge, arranged in a spiral on the stem. Cylindrical strobili. Growth – swamps, shrub tundra, meadow slopes of sea terraces. Up to 250 m above sea level.

Selaginella martensii (Selaginella martensii) is an attractive ground cover, reaching up to 30 cm in height. However, after a while, the stems lie down and form aerial roots. The branches resemble fern fronds. The leaves are small, bright green, with a silvery-white tint at the ends.

Selaginella Kraussiana (Selaginella kraussiana) – has flexible, long (up to 35 cm) shoots that produce root outgrowths. This type of Selaginella is able to form a thick, unusual plant carpet.

Hooked Selaginella (Selaginella uncinata) – characterized by luxurious greenery with a bluish-blue tint. The shoots are located very close to each other, due to this the plant looks like a rich, fluffy carpet.

Selaginella willdenowii (Selaginella willdenowii) – develops a little differently than other types of selaginella. It has smooth, flat, densely branching shoots, dotted with small leaves, which resembles the branches of conifers. This individual grows in the form of a bush, it is most often used as an ampel culture.

Selaginella legless (Selaginella apoda) is a typical indoor flower of selaginella, which outwardly resembles a dense, squat carpet, since not shoots, but leaves creep along the soil. This is a mossy plant with dense sod, which is suitable for ampels. Very often grown in apartments and offices due to its unpretentious care and spectacular appearance.

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Selaginella lepidophylla is the most amazing and unusual groundcover that is often used as a room crop. The unusualness of such a plant lies in the fact that, being a dry, lifeless ball, when immersed in water, it comes to life, acquiring a fresh, green hue. It is noteworthy that being in a room with dry air, selaginella turns into a dried, lifeless ball: its shoots bend, twist, shorten, forming a sphere. How to revive it – the grower already knows – it is enough to lower it into the water. It is for this amazing ability that the plant was nicknamed “resurrecting”

In the photo below, the Selaginella flower is presented in different types and varieties, looking at which, you can be convinced of the variety of forms of this fern, see the characteristic features of each of them. This information will be useful when choosing this culture.

How to care for a Selaginella flower at home

Without such a wonderful plant, the choice of indoor ground cover crops would not be rich enough. It is planted either in flat pots and flowerpots of various shapes, or planted with other plants as a decoration. Both of them look great. Such juicy, dense and pleasant greens will not go unnoticed. But one should not forget, when growing selaginella, that this is a moisture-loving fern, so it will not tolerate drying out.
Location. The flower does not like bright sunlight, so for Selaginella at home, you should choose a semi-shaded place, protected from direct sunlight. The optimal location for the plant is the northern window with artificial illumination. This culture does not tolerate drafts, which must also be taken into account when growing. The plant is best grown in a closed glass container.
Temperature. When thinking about how to care for Selaginella, it should be borne in mind that all individuals love a stable temperature regime – not lower than 18-20 ° C. Most of these plants require room temperature in winter. Most of these plants require room temperature in winter.
Watering and humidity. Always abundant watering and only soft, settled water at room temperature. Do not allow the soil to dry out, it is better to water when the ground is slightly damp. Do not allow the soil to dry out, it is better to water when the ground is slightly damp. Requires a plant and high humidity (80-85%). It is useful to carry out daily spraying of leaves (up to 3 times a day), during the heating season it is necessary to use air humidifiers.

It is useful to carry out daily spraying of leaves (up to 3 times a day), during the heating season it is necessary to use air humidifiers.

It is useful to carry out daily spraying of leaves (up to 3 times a day), during the heating season it is necessary to use air humidifiers. It should be borne in mind that her root system is superficial, which means that the pots should be wide and low with a good drainage layer (up to 1/3 of the height of the pot).
A substrate is suitable, which includes peat soil with the addition of crushed moss (1: 1). Or use a composition of sod land, peat, charcoal. The most important thing is that the soil always remains loose, light and retains moisture well.
The most important thing is that the soil always remains loose, light and retains moisture well. The plant is carefully removed from the pot, then the bottom layer of the substrate is removed, trying not to touch the roots. The plant is carefully removed from the pot, then the bottom layer of the substrate is removed, trying not to touch the roots. After transplanting, the soil is moistened, the pot with the plant is covered with a film. Leave it like this for 2 days. So, it will quickly take fresh roots and take root faster.
It is important to know how to care for Selaginella at home at a time when the plant is intensively growing new foliage.
This happens from April to August, during this period it is required to fertilize the soil monthly with a liquid slightly acidic fertilizer, in a very small concentration. This should be done once every two weeks. Fertilizer is suitable for decorative and deciduous cultures with the increased content of nitrogen.
When caring for selaginella at home, flower growers are convinced that it is rarely affected by diseases and pests. But sometimes you still have to face problems when growing this plant. Basically, all problems are caused by improper care of this culture. So, with dry air and high temperature in the room, as well as in the presence of drafts, the leaves of Selaginella darken, curl, dry out. Insufficient lighting, hard water used for irrigation, lead to a loss of leaf brightness. Additional fertilizing with fertilizers containing herrovite or iron chelate will help return the plant to good shape.
If the houseplant selaginella has slowed down growth or it has completely stopped, then it’s time to transplant it into fresh soil or apply fertilizer.
With an excess of moisture in the soil, the leaves become lethargic and soft.
As the practice of flower growers who have decided to breed this culture shows, subject to all conditions of detention, it pleases the eye with its beauty for a long time even at home.
Knowing how to care for a Selaginella flower, you can avoid many serious problems, because many diseases develop in a plant precisely because of improper care.

How to propagate Selaginella

How to propagate Selaginella The first method of propagation of Selaginella is used in industrial conditions, as it is rather complicated and requires additional technical processing. In room conditions, selaginella is propagated by dividing the bush.
When dividing the bush, care should be taken not to damage the root system. Rooting will be most successful with stable watering and high humidity, where the plant will be.
How else can Selaginella be propagated so that this work is productive and successful? Reproduction is easy to perform and segments of rhizomes about 5 cm long, rooted under the film. Reproduction is easy to perform and segments of rhizomes about 5 cm long, rooted under the film.
Many flower growers simply put the cuttings in water, where the roots grow quickly enough. This is the easiest way to propagate Selaginella.
Selaginella have not found wide application in the economic activities of people. In folk medicine in some tropical countries, spores and stems of native Selaginella species are used. Favorite greenhouse plants are those types of Selaginella, in which the leaves have a beautiful and picturesque metallic color.

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