Selaginella spp.
Spikemosses
Worldwide, mostly tropical and subtropical
Overview
Selaginella spp. is a genus of about 700 species of spore-bearing plants in the family Selaginellaceae, an ancient lineage of lycophytes related to the clubmosses rather than to true ferns or flowering plants. Known as spikemosses, they form low creeping mats or small cushions 1 to 12 inches (2.5 to 30 cm) high, clothed in tiny overlapping scale leaves that give a moss-like or fern-like texture. Foliage color ranges from bright green to blue-green and golden, with an iridescent blue sheen in a few tropical species. The plants reproduce by spores carried in small cones at the branch tips and have no flowers or seeds. Most species need constant humidity and grow on shaded, moist forest floors, though the resurrection plant S. lepidophylla survives drying out by curling into a tight ball and reviving when wetted. In cultivation the moisture-loving species brown quickly if the air or soil dries out.
Native Range
Selaginella spp. grows worldwide, with the greatest number of species in the wet tropics of the Americas and Asia. A smaller number, such as S. apoda and S. rupestris, are native to North America, ranging from moist meadows to dry rock outcrops.Suggested Uses
Spikemosses are grown as groundcover in shaded, moist beds and as foliage plants in terrariums, bottle gardens, and shaded containers. The trailing species soften the edges of pots and shaded walls, while the cushion species suit fairy gardens and miniature plantings. Hardy species such as S. kraussiana carpet damp shade in mild climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Spikemosses do not flower. They reproduce by spores released from small cone-like structures at the tips of the stems, mainly during the warm, humid months. The foliage holds its color year-round in frost-free conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green, some blue-green or goldenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most Selaginella spp. grow in part to full shade on consistently moist, humus-rich soil at pH 5.0 to 7.0 and need high humidity to keep from browning. The tender tropical species are hardy only in USDA zones 7 and warmer and are widely grown as terrarium and house plants, where humidity stays high. Water to keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged, since dry wind and direct midday sun scorch the foliage. A few species, such as S. kraussiana, tolerate cooler conditions and spread as groundcover in mild gardens. Trim wandering stems to keep the mats tidy. The plants have few pests but collapse fast if allowed to dry.Pruning
Trim Selaginella spp. stems at any time to shape the mats and remove browned sections. Pinch back wandering shoots to keep cushion forms compact. Cut out any patches that dry and die so fresh growth can fill in.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons