To propagate Lycopodium squarrosum, also known as the umbrella clubmoss, there are two main methods: using cuttings or by division. Let’s dive into each method and explore the steps involved.
1. Propagation by Cuttings:
– Start by selecting a healthy and mature plant for cutting. Look for a stem that is about 4-6 inches long and has several leaves on it.
– Using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just below a node (where the leaves are attached).
– Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top.
– Prepare a well-drained and loose potting mix made up of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand. This mix will provide the ideal conditions for root development.
– Moisten the potting mix slightly to make it damp but not waterlogged.
– Make a small hole in the potting mix using a pencil or your finger, and carefully insert the cutting into the hole, ensuring that at least one node is buried in the mix.
– Gently firm the soil around the cutting to provide stability.
– Place the potted cutting in a location with shade to dappled light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the delicate leaves of the plant.
– Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but not waterlogged, by watering the cutting regularly. Mist the leaves with water to maintain high humidity levels.
– Over the course of a few weeks, roots should start to develop from the buried node. You can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check for root growth.
– Once the cutting has established a good root system, you can transplant it into a larger container or into your desired garden location.
2. Propagation by Division:
– Choose a mature Lycopodium squarrosum plant that has multiple stems and a dense growth habit.
– Carefully remove the plant from its current container or dig it up from the ground, being mindful not to damage the delicate roots.
– Gently separate the clump of stems and roots into smaller sections. Each section should have a sufficient number of stems and roots for independent growth.
– Prepare individual pots or planting locations for each divided section.
– Fill the pots or planting locations with a well-drained and loose potting mix, similar to the mix mentioned earlier.
– Plant each divided section in its respective pot or location, making sure that the roots are covered with soil and the stems are above the surface.
– Water the newly divided sections thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
– Place the newly divided plants in a shaded or dappled light area, and maintain high humidity levels by misting the leaves regularly.
– Continue to water the divided sections regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
– As the plants grow and establish themselves, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering and increase the amount of light they receive.
Remember, Lycopodium squarrosum prefers high humidity, so misting or using a humidifier can be beneficial during the propagation process. With proper care and attention, your propagated Lycopodium squarrosum plants will thrive and bring lush greenery to your garden or indoor space.
