How to Grow Spikemoss, Braun's Selaginella
Spikemoss, Braun's Selaginella
Selaginella braunii
herbSelaginella braunii is a delicate, evergreen moss-like plant with feathery, fern-like foliage that forms dense mats of fine, bright green fronds. Despite its appearance, it is not a true moss or fern but a primitive vascular plant in the Selaginellaceae family. It is prized as an ornamental houseplant and vivarium plant for its intricate, lacy texture and ability to thrive in humid, shaded environments.
When should you plant Spikemoss, Braun's Selaginella in your zone?
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Example Spikemoss, Braun's Selaginella timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spikemoss, Braun's Selaginella
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Spikemoss, Braun's Selaginella
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew plantlets or cuttings develop roots and establish in the substrate; foliage remains compact and emerald green
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture; avoid direct sun; mist daily; keep substrate warm (65-75°F)
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing; 4-12 weeks for notable growthPlant produces new fronds and lateral branching, creating a fuller, denser mat of feathery foliage
Continue regular misting; maintain humidity above 60%; provide bright, indirect light; pinch back overgrown stems to encourage bushiness
Maturation
ContinuousPlant reaches full density and form, creating a lush, intricate texture; may develop reproductive structures (sporangia) under ideal conditions
Maintain consistent watering and humidity; reduce fertilizer if applied; trim dead or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance
Propagation
Rooting occurs within 3-6 weeksPlant produces runners or can be divided into sections; individual frond segments can develop into new plants in high-humidity environments
Separate runners or divide clumps; plant divisions shallowly in moist substrate; maintain high humidity for new growth
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly; isolate affected plants; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Inspect regularly; remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; quarantine infested plants
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Remove manually; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; maintain plant vigor through proper humidity and watering
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply fungus gnat control products if infestation is severe
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Display
HouseholdSelaginella braunii is a popular terrarium and houseplant specimen prized for its delicate, fern-like appearance and ability to create a lush, tropical feel in confined spaces such as closed terrariums, vivariums, and desktop displays. [source]
Vivarium and Paludarium Plant
CraftExcellent for amphibian and reptile vivariums, paludariums, and aquatic plant tanks due to its tolerance of high humidity and moisture-rich environments; provides naturalistic landscaping for exotic animal enclosures. [source]
Microhabitat for Small Invertebrates
WildlifeThe dense, intricate fronds provide shelter and microhabitats for small arthropods, making it valuable in bioactive terrariums and naturalistic planted enclosures for insects and small reptiles. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian folk traditions, Selaginella species have been used to treat inflammation, fever, and respiratory conditions; contains compounds with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Edible Decorative Garnish
CulinaryOccasionally used as a delicate, edible garnish in high-end culinary presentations and molecular gastronomy; adds textural interest and a subtle herbal note to plated dishes. [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 harvested in the traditional sense; propagate by dividing mature plants or taking stem cuttings (3-5 inches long) and rooting in high-humidity conditions; separation of runners or offshoots is the easiest propagation method; for medicinal or decorative use of fronds, trim as needed without removing more than one-third of total foliage at once
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Selaginella braunii is one of the few plants that can 'resurrect' or enter a dormant state during dry periods, dramatically curling up and becoming brittle, then unfurling and reviving within hours of being watered—a trait called poikilohydry.
- 🌱 Despite looking like a moss or fern, Selaginella is an ancient plant lineage (Selaginellophyta) that has remained virtually unchanged for over 300 million years, making it a 'living fossil' that predates flowering plants.
- 🌱 The name 'Spikemoss' refers to the spike-like reproductive structures (strobili) that appear along the stems under optimal growing conditions, which contain both male and female spores—a primitive reproductive strategy rarely seen in modern plants.
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