Pretty Spikemoss (Selaginella pulcherrima)

Pretty Spikemoss

Selaginella pulcherrima

Delicate fern-like fronds bring soft texture to shaded spaces. Evergreen low groundcover; common name: Pretty Spikemoss.

Low light
2–3/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Thrives in low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch delicate fronds
💧
Watering Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the growing medium to dry out completely
🌡️
Temperature Prefers warm, humid conditions; avoid temperatures below 12°C to prevent leaf browning and stress
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Tiny, scale-like overlapping leaves arranged in dense, flattened fronds
  • Stem: Slender, creeping stems that root at nodes to form continuous mats
  • Sporangia: Small, upright cone-like strobili at frond tips bear reproductive spores
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent moisture; mist fronds 2–3 times weekly to boost humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 2 months. Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause leaf discoloration

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to support healthy foliage growth
Pruning
  • Trim brown or damaged fronds at the base to maintain a neat, dense appearance
  • Thin overcrowded mats to improve airflow and reduce fungal growth risk
  • Remove dead, unrooted stems to encourage new, vigorous growth
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from handling or ingestion

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Terrarium groundcover, shaded garden filler, indoor tabletop decoration