“Resurrecting” Your Selaginella concinna: A Guide to Easy Propagation
Selaginella concinna, also known as the “spike moss” or “club moss,” is a popular houseplant for its vibrant green foliage and surprisingly low-maintenance nature. But what happens when you find yourself with a single, beautiful specimen and crave a whole forest of them? Don’t worry, propagation is a remarkably easy process for this resilient plant!
Let’s explore the two most effective methods of multiplying your Selaginella concinna:
1. Division:
This technique is ideal for mature plants with well-established root systems.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the right time: Spring or early summer is the best period for division.
- Prepare your plant: Gently remove the Selaginella from its pot.
- Divide carefully: Use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the plant into sections, ensuring each section has a good root system.
- Repot: Place each section into a separate pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
- Water thoroughly: Make sure the soil is evenly moistened, ensuring the new plant settles into its new home.
2. Stem Cuttings:
This method is perfect for creating new plants from a single stem.
Follow these steps:
- Choose healthy stems: Select a few healthy stems from your Selaginella concinna. Look for stems with good growth and a few leaves at their base.
- Snip carefully: Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf grows out).
- Prepare for planting: Dip the cut ends of the stems in rooting hormone powder, which encourages root development. This step isn’t essential, but it can greatly improve success rates.
- Plant the cuttings: Insert the treated stem cuttings into a pot of moistened perlite, vermiculite, or a mixture of both. You can also use a peat moss-based potting mix.
- Keep them moist: Maintain a slightly moist environment for your cuttings. Place them in a warm, bright location with indirect light.
- Watch for growth: Within a few weeks, you should see new growth emerge from the cuttings.
Tips for Success:
- Provide the right environment: Selaginella concinna thrives in humid conditions. You can increase humidity by placing a terracotta pot filled with water near the plant or using a humidifier.
- Use a well-draining potting mix: Selaginella concinna doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soil.
- Don’t overwater: Only water when the soil becomes slightly dry to the touch.
- Offer bright indirect light: Avoid placing your Selaginella concinna in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Troubleshooting:
If you encounter difficulties, don’t worry!
- Wilting: This usually indicates underwatering. Check the soil moisture and water thoroughly.
- Yellowing leaves: This can indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Brown spots: These are usually a sign of direct sunlight exposure or overwatering. Move the plant to a different location or adjust your watering schedule.
With a little patience and care, you can easily propagate your Selaginella concinna and create a lush, verdant escape right in your own home. Soon, you’ll be sharing your passion and “reviving” your favorite houseplant all over the neighborhood! Happy propagating!