White Striped Lake Club Rush Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani 'Albescens' (v)

Water

The common name for Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani 'Albescens' is "variegated soft rush," and it typically grows in wet environments. To mimic natural conditions, it's essential to maintain a consistently moist substrate around the plant. Water the variegated soft rush thoroughly by submerging the pot or planting area in water, ensuring the water level is a few inches above the soil line. This should be done once every week or more frequently during extremely hot or dry periods. The water used should be around 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant or container to keep the soil saturated.

Light

The variegated soft rush thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. Therefore, the ideal location for this plant is outdoors, where it can receive direct sunlight for at least part of the day. If planted indoors, it should be placed close to a south-facing window to ensure it receives ample light throughout the day. Care should be taken to prevent full midday sun in areas with exceptionally hot climates to avoid scorching the leaves.

Temperature

Variegated soft rush prefers moderate temperature conditions and should be kept in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 77°F for optimal growth. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F, it is not frost-hardy and may not survive extreme cold unless provided with some protection. Similarly, temperatures exceeding 90°F can stress the plant, so it should be provided with some shade or cooling during the hottest parts of the day.

Pruning

Pruning of the variegated soft rush helps maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves, enhancing the plant's overall appearance. It's best to prune during the plant's dormant period, late fall or early winter, by cutting back the foliage to just above the water level or soil line. Periodically check and remove old stems throughout the year to encourage healthy new growth and improve air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lake Club Rush flourishes in a heavy loam or clay-based soil mix, ensuring consistent moisture levels. The best pH for this particular sedge would be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. When creating a soil mix, incorporate organic matter to retain water and nutrients, such as compost or peat moss, to create the optimal growing conditions for Lake Club Rush.

Repotting

Lake Club Rush, known commonly as, should typically be repotted every one to two years to replenish nutrients in the soil. Since it is a vigorous grower, check annually and repot if necessary to prevent overcrowding of the roots, especially if grown in a contained environment like a pot or planter.

Humidity & Misting

Lake Club Rush thrives in high humidity levels, often found naturally in its waterside habitats. To replicate these conditions, aim to maintain high air moisture, while ensuring the plant's base is consistently inundated or moist to mimic the humid environment of a natural marsh.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lake Club Rush in watertight container with loam and water.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lake Club Rush in wet soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The plant commonly known as 'Albescens' bulrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani 'Albescens' (v)) begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in wetland areas or shallow water. The seedling develops into a young plant with characteristic upright, cylindrical stems and narrow leaves that photosynthesize to fuel growth. As the plant matures, it forms dense clumps through vegetative reproduction, where new stems emerge from rhizomatous roots, increasing its overall size and spread. Throughout the growing season, the 'Albescens' bulrush produces flowering spikes with brownish flowers that later develop into fruits, encapsulating seeds for the next generation. Once mature, seeds are dispersed, often by water, to colonize new areas. In winter, the above-ground parts of the bulrush die back, while the rhizomes can survive under water or ice to regrow the following spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani 'Albescens', commonly known as variegated lake clubrush, is by division. This involves separating the dense clumps of rhizomes, which are the underground stems, during the plant's dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. To do this, you should dig up a portion of the plant, ensuring that you have a section of rhizomes with at least one or two growing points or buds. These divisions can then be planted directly into wet soil or shallow water at the same depth they were originally growing. It is important to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is effective because the plant has a robust rhizome system that readily produces new shoots, ensuring successful propagation for expansion or restoration projects.