What Is Selaginella (Spikemoss)?
Selaginella is a genus of around 700 species of spikemoss, an ancient group of vascular plants more closely related to clubmosses than to true ferns. They grow as low, creeping mats of fine, scale-like foliage, and several species have a remarkable iridescent quality, with Selaginella uncinata shimmering blue-green in the right light. Others, such as Selaginella erythropus, form neat rosettes with red-flushed undersides. Their soft texture and spreading habit make them superb ground cover in planted displays.
How to Care for Selaginella
Humidity is the single most important factor. Spikemoss come from damp forest floors and will quickly turn brown and crisp if the air is too dry, so they are happiest in an enclosed or semi-enclosed setting. Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged, and use soft or rainwater where possible. A fine, moisture-retentive mix suits them well; see our houseplant substrates for suitable blends.
Give Selaginella bright, indirect light or gentle shade. Direct sun scorches the delicate foliage and dries it out far too fast. Normal room warmth is ideal, and they dislike cold draughts. Trim back any browning growth to keep plants dense and tidy, and they will happily spread to fill their space.
Growing Selaginella in Terrariums and Bottle Gardens
Selaginella are among the best possible plants for a closed terrarium. The high humidity and stable warmth of an enclosed glass display mimic their natural habitat almost exactly, and their low, carpeting habit makes beautiful foreground ground cover. They pair well with jewel orchids and small ferns for a lush, layered planting. In an open room they need a humid microclimate to look their best.
