How to Grow Clubmoss, Spike Moss

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Clubmoss, Spike Moss

Selaginella martensii

grass

Selaginella martensii is a delicate, non-flowering vascular plant featuring soft, feathery foliage that resembles fine moss or fern fronds. It thrives in humid, shaded environments and is commonly grown as an ornamental houseplant or in terrariums. This low-growing plant adds texture and elegance to indoor gardens with its bright green, cascading growth habit.

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Example Clubmoss, Spike Moss timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Clubmoss, Spike Moss
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Clubmoss, Spike Moss
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Clubmoss, Spike Moss dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light; avoid direct sun which causes leaf scorch

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers high humidity (60-80%); mist regularly or place on a humidity tray; water when top inch of soil begins to dry

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A—ornamental foliage plant

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Planting depth: Plant crown at soil surface; do not bury

Soil

Type: Light, porous, well-draining mix—peat moss or sphagnum-based

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss Sphagnum moss Perlite Orchid bark Coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10b-11; best grown indoors as a houseplant in temperate climates

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plant with emerging feathery fronds; compact rosette form developing

Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture; avoid disturbance; place in bright indirect light to encourage growth

Vegetative Growth

2-3 months

Plant develops fuller foliage with delicate, fern-like fronds spreading outward; bright green coloration

Continue regular misting and humidity maintenance; water consistently; fertilize lightly every 2-3 months with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer

Mature Foliage

Ongoing

Plant reaches full size with dense, cascading or mounding growth; fronds fully developed and feathery

Maintain high humidity and moisture; pinch back long shoots to encourage bushiness; reduce fertilizer if growth slows

Decline/Dormancy

Variable—recovery 1-2 weeks with proper care

Fronds may brown or wilt if humidity drops, light is insufficient, or soil dries out excessively

Restore humidity immediately; trim brown fronds with clean scissors; increase misting frequency and check soil moisture daily

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Fittonia Peperomia Nerve plant Prayer plant Maidenhair fern Polka dot plant Calathea

Avoid planting near:

Heat-producing appliances Air conditioning vents Drafty windows Dry-air environments

Common Pests

Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plant
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly as needed
Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply sand layer on soil surface

Uses

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Terrarium & Vivarium Plant

Household

Selaginella martensii is ideal for closed or open terrariums and vivariums due to its love of humidity and compact growth. Its delicate texture adds visual interest and helps create naturalistic plant arrangements in glass containers. [source]

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Indoor Air Purification

Household

Like many vascular plants, Selaginella helps remove CO₂ and may improve indoor air quality through photosynthesis. While not a major air purifier, it contributes to a healthier indoor microclimate. [source]

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Decorative Houseplant

Household

The soft, feathery foliage creates an elegant aesthetic in hanging baskets, shelves, or as part of plant collections. Its fine texture complements ferns, tropical plants, and shade-loving ornamentals. [source]

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Humidity Microhabitat

Wildlife

In terrariums with small reptiles or amphibians, Selaginella provides shelter and contributes to maintaining humidity levels essential for inhabitants. Its non-toxic foliage is safe for reptile environments. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested for food or medicine. Prune brown or damaged fronds at soil level to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Remove entire shoots if plant becomes overgrown; regeneration typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Selaginella is an ancient lineage of plants that dates back over 300 million years—predating ferns—making it one of the oldest vascular plant groups on Earth.
🌱 Despite looking like moss, Selaginella is a true vascular plant with roots, stems, and leaves, distinguishing it from bryophytes and placing it in its own division, Selaginellophyta.
🌱 Many Selaginella species can undergo cryptobiosis (entering a dormant state) during drought, reviving within hours when rehydrated—an extraordinary survival mechanism sometimes called 'resurrection plants.'

Gardening Terms

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

Pinch Back

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