Krauss's Spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana)

Krauss's Spikemoss

Selaginella kraussiana

Dense trailing foliage carpets surfaces like soft green velvet. Evergreen creeping fern ally; common name: Krauss's spikemoss.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates low indoor light, avoid harsh midday direct sun that can scorch foliage
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the growing medium to dry out completely
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Temperature Thrives in 15–22℃; avoid temperatures below 10℃ to prevent leaf browning and stunted growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Tiny, scale-like overlapping leaves arranged in four neat rows along slender stems
  • Stem: Creeping, branching stems that root at nodes to spread horizontally
  • Sporangia: Small, upright cone-like structures at stem tips that produce reproductive spores
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; mist foliage 2–3 times weekly to boost humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 6 weeks. Use half-strength liquid feed to avoid burning delicate roots; discontinue feeding in winter

Banana peel compost tea:Fully compost banana peels first, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent mold growth and pest attraction
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown trailing stems to maintain a compact, neat mat shape
  • Remove brown, dried foliage at the base to improve air circulation and appearance
  • Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier, denser growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse health effects expected from contact or ingestion

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; safe for handling and accidental ingestion

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover for terrariums, hanging basket filler, and indoor tabletop displays