How to Grow Small Selaginella
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Small Selaginella
Selaginella kraussiana
herbSmall Selaginella, commonly known as Krauss's spikemoss, is a delicate, creeping moss-like plant with feathery, fern-like foliage that forms dense mats. This evergreen plant is prized for its intricate texture and ability to thrive in humid, shaded environments. It is often used in terrariums, dish gardens, and as a ground cover in indoor and outdoor shade gardens.
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Example Small Selaginella timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Small 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 Small Selaginella
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11; suitable for indoor cultivation in cooler climates
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Get my Small Selaginella timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation
2-4 weeksTiny root-like structures emerge from stem fragments or runners placed in moist substrate
Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures (65-75°F); use a propagation tray with clear cover; keep substrate moist but not soggy
Establishment
3-6 weeksNew shoots and fronds develop; the plant begins spreading horizontally with delicate, feathery leaves
Gradually acclimate to less humid conditions if moving from propagation; continue high humidity; begin light feeding with dilute liquid fertilizer
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing (6+ weeks)Dense mat formation with multiple upright stems and intricate pinnate (feather-like) foliage; plant establishes a spreading habit
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; pinch back stems to encourage bushiness if desired; apply balanced, dilute fertilizer monthly during growing season
Maturity
Long-term maintenancePlant forms a lush, dense carpet of feathery green fronds; some varieties may develop reddish or bronzed foliage tints
Continue regular misting and moisture management; reduce fertilizer frequency in cooler months; divide or trim as needed to manage size
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity to 70%+; mist foliage regularly; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; isolate affected plants
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with neem oil; improve air circulation; reduce watering frequency to avoid soggy conditions that attract pests
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Ensure soil drains well and dries slightly between waterings; remove affected portions and repot in fresh substrate; avoid waterlogging
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Improve air circulation with a small fan; avoid wetting foliage excessively; reduce humidity slightly if mold appears; use fungicide if necessary
Uses
Terrarium & Vivarium Landscapes
CraftSmall Selaginella is an ideal choice for creating lush, realistic ground cover in closed terrariums, open dish gardens, and reptile or amphibian vivariums. Its dense, delicate foliage provides visual interest and helps maintain humidity. [source]
Indoor Air Quality & Humidity Regulation
HouseholdDense Selaginella mats help increase ambient humidity in indoor spaces and contribute to air purification through photosynthesis. Commonly used in bottle gardens and humid plant collections to create self-regulating microclimates. [source]
Shade Garden & Landscape Ground Cover
CraftIn tropical and subtropical climates (zones 9b-11), Small Selaginella serves as an elegant, low-maintenance ground cover beneath larger plants, around rock features, and in shaded garden beds. Creates soft, textured landscape tapestries. [source]
Container & Specimen Ornamental Display
HouseholdThe intricate, feathery foliage makes Selaginella an attractive specimen for decorative containers, bonsai trays, and plant collections. Often displayed in glass cases or high-humidity plant cabinets to showcase its delicate frond structure. [source]
Traditional Herbal & Ethnobotanical Uses
MedicinalSome Selaginella species have been used in traditional Chinese and Asian folk medicine for anti-inflammatory and detoxifying purposes, though scientific evidence is limited. Not commonly used in modern herbalism but studied for potential bioactive compounds. [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 harvested for food or material; however, sections can be trimmed or propagated year-round for propagation purposes. Cuttings or rhizome fragments can be taken and rooted in moist substrate. Trim back overgrown sections to maintain desired shape and density.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Selaginella species are ancient plants belonging to the lycophytes, a lineage that dates back over 400 million years to the Devonian period—making them older than ferns and seed plants.
- 🌱 Some Selaginella species exhibit extraordinary desiccation tolerance, capable of losing up to 95% of their water content and entering a dormant state called 'poikilohydry,' then rapidly reviving when moisture returns.
- 🌱 Small Selaginella produces spores rather than seeds and requires moisture for sexual reproduction, reflecting its ancient evolutionary heritage as a primitive plant closely related to early land colonizers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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