Origin
Thelomma santessonii Tibell is a species of lichen that belongs to the family Thelommataceae. It is commonly found in Europe, particularly in the northern regions such as Norway and Finland.
Common Names
Thelomma santessonii Tibell is commonly known as Santesson's disc lichen. It is named after the Swedish lichenologist Runar Santesson, who first described the species in 1984.
Appearance
Thelomma santessonii Tibell is a small lichen that forms disc-like structures on rocks, soil or bark. The discs can range from 0.3 to 1.5 millimeters in diameter. The upper surface of the discs is smooth, with a glossy appearance often varying from grayish-brown to dark brown. The underside of the disc is black and has a short stem known as a stipe that connects it to the substrate.
Uses
Thelomma santessonii Tibell plays an essential role in the ecosystem as a pioneer plant that helps stabilize bare or rocky soil. It is also used as an indicator of air pollution and habitat quality. Its sensitivity to environmental changes makes it a useful bioindicator for monitoring air quality in the regions it inhabits. As a lichen, it also contributes to the creation of soils by breaking down rock into nutrients that can support other plant life.
Light Requirements
Thelomma santessonii requires moderate to bright indirect light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. To provide the right amount of light, place the plant in a well-lit area with filtered or indirect light. East-facing windows are the ideal location for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperatures for Thelomma santessonii range from 18°C to 24°C. The plant doesn't tolerate temperature fluctuations, drafts, or sudden temperature changes. Keep it in a warm environment with consistent temperatures to prevent damage to the leaves and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Thelomma santessonii prefers well-draining soil that can retain moisture without becoming too soggy. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Avoid using heavy or compacted soil that retains too much moisture, as this can cause root rot and fungal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Thelomma santessonii Tibell
Thelomma santessonii Tibell is a lichen that is not hard to cultivate, and it can be grown either in a greenhouse or outdoors. You can cultivate it on rocks, soil, or wood surfaces, and it does well in a sheltered, bright area where there is no direct sunlight but plenty of indirect light.
Watering Needs for Thelomma santessonii Tibell
Thelomma santessonii Tibell does not require much watering, mainly if cultivated on rocks where rainwater can soak it. If it is cultivated on soil, ensure you only water it moderately, enough to keep it moist and not waterlogged. The plant is sensitive to overwatering, so ensure the pot or basket has holes to drain the excess water.
Fertilization
Thelomma santessonii Tibell can grow without fertilizer, but if you want to enhance its growth, apply some organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Ensure the fertilizer has balanced nutrients without extra nitrogen, which can promote the growth of weed seeds in the media.
Pruning
Thelomma santessonii Tibell does not require pruning since it is not a vascular plant. However, when it grows taller, and you want to maintain its size, you can trim it to reduce it to the desired size. Also, ensure you remove any dead plant material to prevent spreading diseases to the healthy plants.
Propagation of Thelomma santessonii Tibell
Thelomma santessonii Tibell can be propagated through two methods, namely vegetative propagation and spore propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Thelomma santessonii Tibell is achieved through the division of the plant's thallus. This method of propagation is relatively simple and involves separating the thallus into smaller sections that can be planted to form new individuals. The separated thallus should be healthy and have at least 2-3 apothecia each to ensure plant vigor.
The new plant obtained from this method of propagation retains all characteristics of the parent plant, including its growth habit, size and features. The best time to perform this propagation method is during the spring when plant growth is vigorous.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation of Thelomma santessonii Tibell is a more complex method of propagation and requires sterile conditions. This method can be carried out in a laboratory using petri dishes or under sterile conditions in a greenhouse.
The process involves collecting spores from mature apothecia and sowing them on to sterile media. The media contains nutrients required for the growth of the spores. The spores will then germinate and develop into new plants.
This method of propagation allows for genetic variation in the new plants as spore fertilization can occur between individuals. The resulting plants may have characteristics different from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Thelomma santessonii Tibell is usually a hardy plant that rarely suffers from diseases or infections when grown in optimal conditions. However, certain factors such as poor watering, nutrient imbalance, and stress can create a conducive environment for diseases to thrive. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and the suggested ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is one of the most common diseases that affect Thelomma santessonii Tibell. It is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant, improve drainage, and avoid overhead watering that can spread the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by a fungus that thrives in overly wet soil. It results in decay and discoloration of plant roots, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and eventually death. To manage root rot, improve drainage, avoid excessive watering, and remove infected plant material.
Pest Management
While Thelomma santessonii Tibell is not a favorite of many pests, it can still be vulnerable to some pests which can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and the suggested ways to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant leaves causing yellowing, wilting, and eventual death. They also leave fine webbing on the plant surfaces. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or oils, keep the plant well-watered to discourage infestation and remove heavily infested leaves.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies suck sap from the leaves of the plant, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. They are easily identified by their white, moth-like wings. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap, sticky traps, and remove heavily infested leaves or use neem oil spray.
By being vigilant and monitoring your plant regularly, you can prevent and manage infection and infestations of your Thelomma santessonii Tibell ensuring that it remains healthy and thriving for years to come.
