Selaginella Kraussiana

Looking for a lush, low-maintenance plant to cover the soil in your indoor pots or terrariums? Look no further than Selaginella kraussiana. This easy-care indoor groundcover is a fantastic choice for adding a carpet of vibrant green to your home with minimal effort.

Often called spreading clubmoss or Krauss’s spikemoss, it’s not actually a moss but a primitive plant related to ferns. Its delicate, fern-like foliage forms a dense, trailing mat that looks beautiful spilling over the edges of containers. If you’ve struggled with bare soil or want a textural accent plant, this could be your perfect match.

This plant is all about its gorgeous foliage. The stems are covered in tiny, emerald-green leaves that overlap like scales. They grow in a creeping habit, quickly rooting as they spread to create that classic groundcover effect. In ideal conditions, it’s a vigorous grower, filling in spaces with a soft, prehistoric charm.

There’s also a popular golden-variegated cultivar known as ‘Aurea’ or ‘Gold Tips,’ which features leaves edged in creamy yellow. This version adds a beautiful splash of light to darker corners.

Why It’s the Perfect Easy-Care Plant

So, what makes Selaginella kraussiana so simple to look after? It really comes down to understanding its few basic needs. Once you get these right, it practically grows itself.

Forgiving Nature: It’s resilient and bounces back well from occasional neglect, like if you forget to water it on time.
Slow to Moderate Growth: It won’t suddenly take over your space, making it easy to manage with just occasional trimming.
Few Pest Problems: It’s not commonly bothered by insects like spider mites or aphids, which is a huge plus for indoor gardening.
Adaptable: While it has preferences, it can tolerate a range of typical indoor conditions.

Your Step-by-Step Care Guide

Let’s break down exactly how to keep your spikemoss thriving. Follow these steps for a healthy, spreading plant.

1. Light: Bright & Indirect is Best

Selaginella kraussiana prefers bright, indirect light. Think near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west window. Direct sun, especially the hot afternoon kind, will scorch its delicate leaves, turning them brown and crispy.

It can also adapt to lower light levels, but its growth will slow down significantly. The vibrant green color may also fade a bit. If you’re using it in a terrarium, standard grow lights work perfectly.

2. Watering: Keep It Consistently Moist

This is the most critical part of care. The soil should never dry out completely. Think “consistently damp,” like a well-wrung sponge.

Check the soil frequently, especially during warmer months.
Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels just slightly dry to the touch.
Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

If the plant dries out, you’ll notice the stems and leaves quickly become brittle and brown. Don’t panic—give it a good drink and it should produce new growth. Using room-temperature water is a good idea to avoid shocking the roots.

3. Humidity: The Higher, The Happier

As a plant that loves moisture, Selaginella thrives in high humidity. Average home air can be too dry, leading to brown leaf tips.

Here are some easy ways to increase humidity:

Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Group it together with other humidity-loving plants.
Use a small room humidifier nearby.
Grow it in a closed or open terrarium, which is an ideal environment.

Misting can provide a temporary boost, but it’s not a long-term solution on its own and can sometimes promote fungal issues if overdone.

4. Soil & Feeding: Simple Does It

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is excellent. You can use a standard houseplant soil and add some perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration.

Fertilizing is simple. Feed it monthly during the spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength is plenty). Stop feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can harm the delicate roots.

5. Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is straightforward. Simply trim back any overly long or straggly stems with clean scissors. This encourages bushier growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. You can easily propagate new plants from these cuttings!

To propagate:

Snip a healthy stem section about 3-4 inches long.
Place the cut end into a small pot of moist potting mix.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
Keep it warm and in indirect light. Roots should develop in a few weeks.

Common Issues and Quick Solutions

Even with easy-care plants, small problems can pop up. Here’s how to fix them.

Brown, Crispy Leaves: This is usually caused by dry air, underwatering, or too much direct sun. Increase humidity and check your watering frequency.
Yellowing or Limp Stems: Often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings and ensure the pot drains well.
Leggy Growth with Large Gaps: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (but not into direct sun).
No New Growth: This is normal in winter. In growing season, it might need a slight increase in light or a gentle feed.

Creative Uses in Your Home

Beyond just a potted plant, Selaginella kraussiana’s trailing habit makes it incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:

Living Carpet: Plant it at the base of larger, upright houseplants like fiddle leaf figs or dracaenas to create a mini indoor landscape.
Terrarium Star: It’s one of the best plants for closed terrariums, thriving in the constant humidity.
Hanging or Trailing Display: Let it spill over the edges of a hanging basket or a shelf for a waterfall of green.
Tabletop Centerpiece: Plant it in a wide, shallow dish for a unique, low-growing centerpiece.

FAQ

Is Selaginella kraussiana safe for pets?
Yes, it is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, making it a pet-friendly choice.

How fast does this ground cover spread?
Under good conditions, it’s a moderately fast grower. You can expect it to fill in a small pot or tray over a single growing season.

Can I grow spreading clubmoss outdoors?
Only in very warm, frost-free climates (USDA zones 10-11). It’s primarily grown as a houseplant in most regions because it cannot tolerate cold.

Why are the stems of my spikemoss turning brown at the base?
Some older stem die-back is normal. However, if it’s widespread, it’s often due to the soil being too wet or too dry for extended periods. Check your watering habits and the soil drainage.

Do I need to repot often?
Not frequently. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.

With its beautiful texture and simple needs, Selaginella kraussiana solves the problem of bare indoor soil elegantly. By providing consistent moisture, good humidity, and gentle light, you’ll be rewarded with a thriving green carpet that brings a touch of the forest floor right into your living space. It’s a classic plant that deserves more attention for its reliable, easy-going nature.