How to Grow Selaginella

Selaginella

Selaginella species

herb

Selaginella is a primitive vascular plant resembling moss, featuring delicate feathery foliage and a creeping or upright growth habit. Often called spike moss or lesser clubmoss, it thrives in humid environments and is popular as an ornamental houseplant and in terrariums. Despite its delicate appearance, it is quite resilient and can tolerate low-light conditions.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright indirect light; tolerates low light but prefers dappled or filtered light (avoid direct sun which can scorch fronds)

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prefers high humidity (50-80%); mist regularly or place on pebble trays with water.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches depending on species and mature size inches

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Days to maturity: Varies by species; generally reaches decorative size in 8-12 weeks

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Planting depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix with peat moss or coco coir

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or coco coir Orchid bark or perlite for drainage Activated charcoal to prevent root rot

Growing Zones

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Zones 10-12 outdoors; widely grown indoors year-round in cooler climates

10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Small plantlets with minimal frond development; delicate green foliage beginning to unfurl

Maintain high humidity (60-80%), avoid direct sun, and water gently without disturbing delicate fronds. Keep soil consistently moist.

Vegetative Growth

4-10 weeks

Fronds expand and multiply; plant develops its characteristic feathery, cascading or upright form

Continue consistent moisture and humidity. Provide bright indirect light. Mist 1-2 times daily if indoors in dry climates.

Mature Foliage

Ongoing once established

Plant reaches full size with dense, lush frond coverage; achieves its typical growth habit (creeping, mounding, or upright)

Maintain humidity and moisture. Prune dead or damaged fronds. Reduce watering slightly if growth slows in cooler months.

Reproduction (Spore Production)

Intermittent, year-round under ideal conditions

Tiny spore-bearing structures form on fronds (sporophylls); not visually prominent but indicate plant maturity

No special care needed. Spores may naturally propagate if humidity is very high, creating new plantlets nearby.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Ferns (Adiantum, Polystichum) Peperomia African violets Nerve plant (Fittonia) Prayer plant (Maranta) Moss pole plants

Avoid planting near:

Drought-tolerant succulents Cacti Artemisia Lavender (in same soil mix) Plants requiring dry conditions

Common Pests

Increase humidity; mist frequently. Spray with water or neem oil. Isolate infected plants.
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap if severe.
Prune affected fronds. Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray.
Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) if severe.
Reduce watering frequency; ensure excellent drainage. Repot in fresh soil if detected early. Add activated charcoal to soil.

Uses

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Indoor Air Purification & Decor

Household

Selaginella absorbs moisture and contributes to air quality in indoor spaces. Its delicate, ornamental foliage makes it an attractive addition to terrariums, vivariums, and indoor plant collections, adding a naturalistic, forest-like aesthetic. [source]

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Terrarium & Vivarium Plant

Craft

Selaginella's moisture and humidity requirements make it ideal for closed or humid terrariums and reptile vivariums. It creates a lush, naturalistic groundcover or accent plant in these contained ecosystems. [source]

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Traditional Asian Medicine

Medicinal

Several Selaginella species, particularly S. tamariscina and S. doederleinii, are used in traditional Chinese medicine to address inflammation, fever, and respiratory issues, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Humidity-Loving Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

In vivariums and terrariums, Selaginella provides shelter and moisture microhabitats for small amphibians, insects, and invertebrates, supporting their breeding and survival. [source]

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Humidity Regulation

Household

As a moisture-loving plant with high transpiration, Selaginella naturally increases ambient humidity in its immediate environment, benefiting both the plant and nearby humidity-loving companions. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Selaginella is not typically harvested for food or traditional uses. Instead, prune dead, yellowing, or damaged fronds as needed to maintain appearance and vigor. Propagate by division: carefully separate rooted sections and pot individually.

Fun Facts

🌱 Selaginella is one of the oldest vascular plants on Earth, with fossil records dating back over 300 million years, making it a living relic from the Carboniferous era.
🌱 Some Selaginella species, like S. lepidophylla (the 'resurrection plant'), can completely dry out and appear dead, then revive within hours when rehydrated—a remarkable survival adaptation called poikilohydry.
🌱 Selaginella produces spores rather than seeds and reproduces through a complex alternation of generations involving both sexual and asexual reproduction stages, inherited from its ancient evolutionary lineage.

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