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How to Grow Miniature Fern, Krauss's Spikemoss

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Miniature Fern, Krauss's Spikemoss

Selaginella kraussiana

fern

Selaginella kraussiana is a delicate, low-growing spikemoss (not a true fern) native to South Africa, featuring fine, feathery, bright green foliage that forms dense mats. It thrives in humid, shaded environments and is popular as a decorative houseplant, terrarium plant, or groundcover in tropical and subtropical gardens. The plant spreads via creeping stems and can develop a cascading habit when grown in hanging containers.

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Example Miniature Fern, Krauss's Spikemoss timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Miniature Fern, Krauss's Spikemoss

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Miniature Fern, Krauss's Spikemoss

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Miniature Fern, Krauss's Spikemoss dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; prefers shade to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which causes browning and drying.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Requires high humidity (60% or higher). Mist regularly and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Water when top layer feels slightly dry.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental foliage plant; reaches mature appearance in 6-12 months)
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Planting depth: Plant at soil surface; spores are extremely fine and do not require traditional planting depth

Soil

Type: Light, well-draining, peat-rich or humus-rich soil
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Peat moss Coco coir Compost Perlite for drainage Orchid bark (for container growing)

Growing Zones

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Zones 10b-11 outdoors; widely grown indoors worldwide as a houseplant

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Spore Germination

2-4 weeks (rarely attempted)

Tiny spores develop into minute gametophytes; extremely difficult to propagate from spores in cultivation

Maintain high humidity (>90%), warmth (70-75°F), and sterile conditions. Most growers use vegetative propagation instead.

2

Vegetative Growth - Establishment

2-4 weeks after transplanting

Young plant develops initial creeping stems with tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in rows; foliage is bright green and feathery

Maintain consistent moisture and high humidity. Avoid direct sun. Use peat-rich soil. Avoid fertilizer initially.

3

Vegetative Growth - Expansion

3-6 months

Plant spreads horizontally via creeping stems (stolons), forming dense mats or cascades; foliage becomes fuller and more vibrant

Continue consistent watering and high humidity. Provide bright, indirect light. Monthly diluted fertilizer (half-strength) can promote growth.

4

Mature Growth

Ongoing (indefinite)

Plant reaches mature size with well-established dense mats or trailing growth; foliage is uniformly feathery and bright green

Maintain established humidity and moisture levels. Prune or trim to control spread if needed. Continue light fertilizing during growing season.

5

Dormancy (Winter)

3-4 months

Growth slows considerably in reduced light and cooler temperatures; foliage may appear slightly less vibrant

Reduce fertilizer frequency. Maintain moisture and humidity even though growth has slowed. Avoid sudden temperature drops below 50°F.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Moss pole plants (Rhaphidophora, Epipremnum) Other humidity-loving houseplants (Calathea, Fittonia) Begonias African violets Peperomia Baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) Nerve plant (Fittonia) Polka dot plant (Hypoestes)

Avoid planting near:

Cacti (conflicting water needs) Succulents (conflicting humidity needs) Dry-loving plants (Aloe, Echeveria)

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity to 70%+. Mist foliage regularly. Isolate affected plants. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe.

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation.

  • Hand-pick visible scales. Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil. Isolate plant to prevent spread.

  • Reduce watering frequency slightly to allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Use sand topping or sticky traps. Apply mosquito dunks if severe.

  • Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency. Repot in fresh, sterile soil. Remove affected root sections. Ensure adequate air circulation.

Uses

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Decorative houseplant and terrarium specimen

Household

Selaginella kraussiana's fine, feathery foliage and compact growth habit make it an attractive choice for indoor plant collections, terrariums, and fairy gardens. Its cascading form is especially popular in hanging containers and planted shelves. [source]

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Living ground cover and botanical display

Household

In tropical and subtropical gardens (zones 10b-11), S. kraussiana functions as an attractive living ground cover in shaded, humid microclimates. It is also prized for botanical collections and plant enthusiasts seeking humidity-loving species. [source]

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Habitat for small arthropods

Wildlife

The dense, moist growth habit provides shelter and moisture-rich microhabitat for beneficial insects, isopods, springtails, and other small arthropods in terrariums and planted containers. [source]

🎨

Miniature landscape and diorama material

Craft

Its extremely fine scale makes S. kraussiana an excellent choice for miniature landscapes, bonsai displays, terrarium scenes, and botanical dioramas requiring authentic plant material at small scale. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal uses

Medicinal

In traditional African and Asian medicine, Selaginella kraussiana and related species have been used to treat various minor ailments, though scientific evidence remains limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for ornamental foliage. Propagate by dividing mature plants, separating rooted stems, or layering. Place rooted sections in moist, humid conditions until fully established (2-4 weeks).

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Despite its common name 'fern,' Selaginella kraussiana is not a true fern but a spikemoss (Lycopodiophyta), making it evolutionarily older than true ferns—a living fossil representing ancient plant lineages from over 400 million years ago.
  • 🌱 S. kraussiana exhibits hygrochastic movement: in extremely dry conditions, the foliage curls inward tightly to reduce water loss, then unfurls within hours of being misted or watered, a remarkable survival adaptation.
  • 🌱 The plant is commonly propagated by simply pressing stems onto moist soil where they root adventitiously within weeks—a simple, nearly foolproof propagation method that makes it popular with beginner gardeners.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Partial Shade pH
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