Spikemoss / Clubmoss

Selaginella kraussiana

description

Spikemoss is a low mat-forming relative of ferns with tiny bright green leaves.

benefits

Low—light tolerant
Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
Suitable for containers

How to care for Spikemoss

sunlight

In the wild, spikemoss carpets damp, shaded forest floors. Give it soft, indirect light at home and keep it out of hot sun, which can quickly dry and bleach its tiny leaves.

Low indirect light

A few feet back from a north-facing window suits it well. It will tolerate dimmer rooms, but growth may become thinner and slower.

Bright indirect light

Place near an east-facing window or behind a sheer curtain at a brighter window. Avoid direct midday or afternoon rays.

If the foliage looks pale or feels dry at the edges, move it farther from the glass or soften the light with a sheer curtain.

watering

Keep spikemoss evenly moist at all times. Its fine roots and tiny leaves dry quickly, so water thoroughly as soon as the surface begins to feel less damp, then let excess drain away.

Spring and summer

Check about every 2-4 days and water when the top 0.5 cm of mix is only just starting to dry. In warmth, bright indirect light, small pots, or dry air, it may need water more often.

Autumn and winter

Check roughly every 5-10 days. Growth slows in cooler, lower-light conditions, but do not allow the root ball to dry out. Water when the surface is beginning to dry while the mix beneath still feels lightly moist.

Check moisture below the surface, not just the top: a pot that feels light or a root ball that is drying through needs water sooner.

Do not leave the pot standing in water. Constantly soggy compost can rot the fine roots.

humidity

Preferred humidity

60-80%

Spikemoss grows along moist, shaded forest floors, so it is happiest in consistently humid air. Aim for 60% or more; it may cope around 40-50% if the soil never dries, but growth is less lush.

Crisp brown tips, shrinking fronds, or a dry-looking mat usually mean the air is too dry.

Acceptable at home

50%+

Keep it away from radiators, air conditioning, and hot sunny windows. Indoor heating can quickly dry the foliage, especially in winter.

Raise humidity around the plant, not just with an occasional mist.

Use a humidifier nearby for the most reliable results.
Group it with other plants or place it in a terrarium-like display with some airflow.
Set the pot on a pebble tray with water below the pot base.

temperature

Preferred range

18-24°C (65-75°F)

Winter minimum

12°C (54°F)

Spikemoss grows on humid, shaded forest floors, so it prefers steady room temperatures. It can handle warmer conditions above 27°C (80°F) if humidity is high and the soil stays evenly moist, but heat quickly dries the fine foliage.

Place it away from radiators, air conditioners, and drafty windows, where sudden temperature swings can crisp its tips.

Cold drafts and temperatures below 12°C (54°F) can cause yellowing and dieback.

nutrition

March - August

Feed about once a month while the plant is actively growing, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength. Apply it to already moist soil. Skip feeding in autumn and winter unless it is clearly producing new growth in warm, bright conditions.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports the dense green foliage. A gentle, balanced feed provides enough without pushing soft growth that is easily stressed by dry air or uneven watering.

Flush the pot with plain water every few months to prevent fertilizer salts from building up in its constantly moist soil.

soil

Moisture-retentive, airy soil

Spikemoss has fine roots that dislike both drying out and stagnant compost. Use a humus-rich houseplant mix loosened with fine bark, perlite, or coco coir so it stays evenly damp while excess water can drain.

pH 5,5 - 6,5

This is slightly acidic soil. Most peat- or coco-based indoor potting mixes fall close to this range; avoid adding lime or using strongly alkaline garden soil.

Choose a pot with drainage holes, but do not let the root ball dry out between waterings.