Iwa-hige Cassiope lycopodioides

Water

The plant commonly known as mountain heather should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This typically means watering once every week or two, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. Use about 1 gallon of water each time for a medium-sized plant, ensuring even distribution across the soil without waterlogging. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to match the plant's slower growth and reduced water needs.

Light

Mountain heather thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. It should not be exposed to direct, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the foliage. A north-facing window or a spot that receives filtered light through a sheer curtain is ideal, providing the soft light conditions the plant prefers.

Temperature

Mountain heather favors cool to moderate temperature conditions, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Maintaining this temperature range will help ensure the plant's health and vitality.

Pruning

Prune mountain heather in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim back up to one-third of the plant to stimulate new growth. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient for this plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Clubmoss requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-6. A mix of peat, sand, and pine bark is ideal to provide the necessary conditions for growth.

Repotting

Clubmoss should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, ideally in spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Clubmoss prefers high humidity levels, around 70-80%. It thrives in moist environments but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Clubmoss in bright indirect light and ensure high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Grow Clubmoss in shady areas with moist, acidic soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Cassiope lycopodioides, commonly known as clubmoss mountain heather, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, cool, alpine conditions, typically in well-drained, acidic soils. The seedling develops into a mature plant, characterized by its evergreen shrubby form, needle-like leaves, and woody rhizomes. During the growing season, clubmoss mountain heather produces small, urn-shaped flowers that are adapted for pollination by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into dry capsules that release seeds when mature. This seed dispersal allows for colonization of new areas, where the cycle restarts with seed germination. As a perennial, Cassiope lycopodioides continues this cycle annually, with the ability to survive through harsh winter conditions due to its evergreen nature.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The plant Cassiope lycopodioides, commonly known as the Clubmoss Mountain Heather, is often propagated through the division of its clumps. This method is best carried out in spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate through division, gently separate a healthy, mature clump of the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a good root system attached. These sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix, with a spacing of about 8 inches (approximately 20 centimeters) to give each new plant enough room to grow. It's essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development in the newly transplanted divisions. The newly planted sections should become established within a few weeks, after which they will continue to grow and eventually bloom like the parent plant.