How to Grow Selaginella (Spikemoss)
Selaginella (Spikemoss)
Selaginella species
grassSelaginella, commonly known as spikemoss, is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that thrives in shady, moist environments. These delicate, moss-like plants feature feathery foliage and rarely exceed 6-12 inches in height, making them ideal for woodland gardens, terrariums, and shaded borders. Unlike true mosses, Selaginella are vascular plants with true roots, offering greater durability and easier cultivation.
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Example Selaginella (Spikemoss) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Selaginella (Spikemoss)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Selaginella (Spikemoss)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9 for outdoor cultivation; tropical species thrive in zones 10-11
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Establishment
2-4 weeksSmall, delicate shoots with 2-4 tiny fronds emerging from the base. Very tender and vulnerable.
Maintain high humidity (75%+), keep soil consistently moist, avoid direct sun and air currents, fertilize sparingly with half-strength balanced fertilizer
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsFoliage gradually thickens and spreads horizontally. Fronds become more numerous and fill in the planting area. Color deepens from pale to rich green.
Continue consistent moisture and humidity, provide bright indirect light, avoid temperature fluctuations, divide crowded patches gently
Maturation
6-12 monthsPlant reaches full height (6-12 inches depending on species) with dense, feathery foliage forming a continuous carpet or mound.
Maintain established moisture and humidity levels, fertilize monthly with dilute liquid fertilizer during growing season, prune dead or damaged fronds
Maintenance
OngoingEstablished ground cover continues spreading slowly and requires minimal intervention. Foliage remains vibrant year-round.
Water during dry spells, maintain humidity in indoor settings, remove debris from the foliage surface, divide if overcrowding occurs
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity (the primary deterrent), mist regularly, isolate affected plants, use neem oil spray on severe infestations
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Remove with damp cloth, isolate infected plants, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, improve air circulation
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Manual removal with soft brush, horticultural oil spray, repeat treatments every 7-10 days
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, use sticky traps, apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to soil
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Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, remove affected portions, repot in fresh soil, increase air circulation
Uses
Terrarium & Vivarium Landscaping
HouseholdSelaginella's low height, moisture-loving nature, and attractive feathery foliage make it ideal for creating realistic woodland miniature landscapes in closed terrariums and naturalistic vivarium enclosures. [source]
Decorative Ground Cover & Living Art
CraftUsed in shade gardens and woodland settings to create soft, carpet-like textures that contrast with larger foliage plants. Creates living moss-like effects in Japanese gardens and contemporary shade design. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalVarious Selaginella species (particularly S. tamariscina and S. bryopteris) are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for fever reduction, cough relief, and liver health support. [source]
Microhabitat for Beneficial Arthropods
WildlifeDense Selaginella mats provide shelter and moisture for ground-dwelling insects, spiders, and beneficial arthropods essential to garden ecosystems. [source]
Edible Species (Regional)
CulinaryIn some Asian cuisines, tender young fronds of certain Selaginella species are occasionally used in soups and salads for their delicate texture and mild flavor, though this use is rare. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Selaginella is not harvested for yield but rather propagated by division. In spring, gently separate rooted sections and transplant to new locations. For terrarium use, carefully remove individual fronds or small clusters with minimal root disturbance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Selaginella species possess a remarkable trait called 'resurrection' — some varieties can enter dormancy during drought and fully recover within hours of rehydration, surviving desiccation that would kill most plants.
- 🌱 Unlike true mosses, Selaginella has evolved true vascular tissues and roots, making it a 'living fossil' that bridges the evolutionary gap between mosses and ferns, unchanged for over 300 million years.
- 🌱 Selaginella species display iridescent blue coloration in certain light conditions due to specialized cell structures that refract light, a phenomenon similar to butterfly wing coloration, making them prized by plant collectors.
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