Spike Moss (Selaginella)

Spike Moss

Selaginella

Delicate, moss-like foliage creates soft ground cover. Evergreen fern ally; common names: spike moss, club moss.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate 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 warm, humid conditions; avoid temperatures below 10°C to prevent leaf browning
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Characteristics

  • Foliage: Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in dense, flattened spirals along slender stems
  • Stems: Creeping or trailing stems that root at nodes to form connected mats
  • Spores: Produced in cone-like strobili at the tips of mature stems
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Care Guide

Watering

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

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Banana peel compost tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solids to avoid mold or pest issues
Pruning
  • Trim yellowing or browning stems at the base to maintain tidy growth
  • Pinch back trailing stems to encourage bushier, denser foliage
  • Remove dead strobili to improve overall plant appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

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

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Indoor terrarium ground cover, shaded garden filler, hanging basket ornamental