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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Polished shadow lichen
(Physconia detersa)
Also Known As
Polished shadow lichen, Woolly speckle, Gray felt lichen
About This Plant
Physconia detersa is a lichenized fungus that grows on rocks and trees. It forms a crusty, grayish-green thallus with small, spherical black fruiting bodies called apothecia. This lichen is commonly found in North America and Europe.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Light Requirements
Physconia detersa prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the thallus.
Humidity Needs
Physconia detersa prefers humid environments, but it can tolerate some dryness.
Fertilizing Schedule
No fertilizer is needed for this lichen.
Pruning Guidelines
No pruning is needed for this lichen.
Common Pests and Diseases
Physconia detersa is relatively pest-free, but it can be affected by air pollution.
Indoor Size Range
N/A
Watering Schedule
This lichen can survive long periods of drought, but it thrives with regular moisture. It can absorb water from the air, so misting it occasionally can be beneficial.
Temperature Range
This lichen can survive in a wide range of temperatures, from below freezing to over 100°F (38°C).
Growing Season
Physconia detersa can grow year-round, but it is most active in the spring and fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Physconia detersa is relatively easy to grow, as long as it is provided with the right growing conditions.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Physconia detersa is not a plant and therefore does not have a USDA hardiness zone.
Did You Know?
Physconia detersa is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, sore throats, and stomach problems.
