Selaginella
Little club moss, Spike moss
- Height × spread
- 0.2m – 0.2m × 0.3m – 0.6m
- Position
- Part shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are over 700 species of these plants that are mossy in appearance. Most of them come from the warmer, or tropical areas of the world and are generally grown indoors. Many of them are small with a trailing growth habit and are grown for their interesting foliage forms. Some species have a number of more ornamental cultivars. 15cm high 'martensii' a tropical fern has flattened sprays that make it look like a miniature Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis) form. The hardy 'sibirica' has paw-like growths whilst the strange 'lepidophylla,' the resurrection plant, turns into a brown ball in drought conditions and then resumes its green life when there is sufficient moisture. Most commonly available are mossy 'kraussiana' and its forms.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.2m – 0.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- genus houseplant temperature varies
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Winter · Outdoors
Feed with houseplant food
Give a balanced houseplant feed monthly from May until August, at other times feed every six weeks.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Indoors
Feed some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this genus require additional feeding. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Outdoors
Protect the base from rotting
Assist free drainage and prevent the base of the plant rotting by using lime, granite chips or fine horticultural grit round the base of the plant on top of the soil.
Planting
Prune some varieties
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.
Planting
Support some varieties
Some plants within this genus may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Compost · Planting
Compost requirements vary
Some plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for compost. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Indoor temperature · Planting
Minimum temperatures vary
Plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for minimum temperature. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Planting
Divide some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this genus have different requirements for dividing them when they get big. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for guidance, and/or check the label.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.