How to Grow Krauss's Spikemoss
Wikimedia Commons
Krauss's Spikemoss
Selaginella kraussiana
plantSelaginella kraussiana is a delicate, moss-like vascular plant featuring feathery, fern-like foliage that forms dense mats or trailing cascades. This ancient plant lineage thrives in humid, shaded environments and is popular as a houseplant for terrariums, vivariums, and humid indoor spaces. It is prized for its ornamental texture and ability to thrive in low-light conditions.
When should you plant Krauss's Spikemoss in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Krauss's Spikemoss timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Krauss's Spikemoss
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Krauss's Spikemoss
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Krauss's Spikemoss dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best grown as a houseplant in zones 10-11, or indoors year-round in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Krauss's Spikemoss grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Krauss's Spikemoss timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-3 weeksYoung plant with sparse, delicate fronds; appears wilted if humidity drops suddenly
Maintain very high humidity (70%+), use a propagation dome or terrarium. Water gently to avoid damaging new growth. Ensure good air circulation to prevent rot
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops dense, feathery mats of branching stems with tiny scale-like leaves arranged in flat patterns
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Indirect bright light promotes fuller growth. Avoid fertilizer at this stage or use very dilute applications monthly
Maturation
Ongoing after 8 weeksPlant reaches full density with thick mats or trailing cascades up to 12+ inches. Foliage appears lush and vibrant green
Continue regular misting and moisture management. Prune excess growth if needed. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Decline/Stress Response
Variable; recovery takes 1-2 weeks with corrected conditionsBrown, crispy edges or wilting fronds indicate low humidity or drying soil
Immediately increase humidity and misting. Trim dead sections. Check for root rot if stems are mushy; repot in fresh soil if necessary
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity (spider mites thrive in dry air). Spray with water or horticultural oil. Isolate affected plant
-
Reduce watering slightly; allow top layer to dry marginally. Use sticky traps. Apply neem oil or sand topping to soil surface
-
Isolate plant. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days. Wipe affected areas with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
-
Remove with tweezers or soft brush. Apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray
-
Repot into fresh soil immediately if detected. Reduce watering frequency and improve air circulation. Ensure pot has drainage holes
Uses
Terrarium & Vivarium Plant
CraftSelaginella kraussiana is a classic choice for closed terrariums, open dish gardens, and reptile vivariums. Its humidity-loving nature makes it ideal for creating lush, low-maintenance living ecosystems in controlled environments. [source]
Air Quality & Humidity Control
HouseholdLike other plants, this spikemoss transpires moisture, naturally increasing ambient humidity in dry indoor spaces. Clusters of these plants can modestly improve air quality in enclosed environments. [source]
Living Wall & Vertical Garden Display
CraftThe cascading growth habit makes Selaginella kraussiana suitable for hanging baskets, moss poles, and vertical living wall systems, creating texture-rich ornamental focal points. [source]
Reptile & Amphibian Habitat
WildlifeWidely used in vivariums and naturalistic enclosures for dart frogs, tree frogs, and other moisture-loving reptiles. Provides shelter, climbing surfaces, and maintains necessary humidity levels. [source]
Indoor Decorative Foliage
HouseholdThe fine, feathery texture and vibrant green color serve as ornamental indoor houseplants for desks, shelves, and shaded corners, adding visual interest without flowering. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for food. Trim or prune stems as needed to maintain shape or remove dead foliage. Cuttings propagate easily in high-humidity environments (propagation boxes, terrariums). Remove discolored or brown fronds for aesthetic appearance
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Selaginella is one of the oldest plant groups on Earth, with fossil records dating back over 300 million years, making it a living connection to prehistoric forests
- 🌱 Many Selaginella species can undergo cryptobiosis—a state of dormancy where they appear completely dead when desiccated but revive within hours of rehydration, earning them the nickname 'resurrection plants'
- 🌱 Unlike true mosses, Selaginella kraussiana is a vascular plant with true roots, stems, and leaves, making it more advanced evolutionarily while retaining the delicate appearance of its ancient ancestors
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Krauss's Spikemoss planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Krauss's Spikemoss seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Krauss's Spikemoss timeline →