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How to Grow Spike Moss

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Spike Moss

Selaginella species

flower

Spike moss is a primitive vascular plant characterized by delicate, feathery foliage that resembles tiny ferns or mosses. Despite its common name, it is not a true moss but rather a lycophyte (club moss relative) with a creeping or upright growth habit depending on the species. It thrives in humid, shaded environments and is popular as a decorative houseplant and terrarium accent.

Looking for a specific variety?

Selaginella kraussiana Selaginella martensii Selaginella uncinata Selaginella pallescens Selaginella lepidophylla

When should you plant Spike Moss in your zone?

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

  1. Plant Spike Moss

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Spike Moss blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; shade-tolerant (no direct sun)
💧
Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers high humidity (60-80%). Mist regularly or use a pebble tray with water.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches depending on variety inches
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Days to maturity: Slow-growing; visible maturity in 6-12 months
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Planting depth: Plant crown at soil surface; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining, peat-based or orchid bark mix with high organic matter
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Sphagnum peat moss orchid bark perlite activated charcoal

Growing Zones

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Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones (10-12); grown as houseplant elsewhere

10 11 12

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young plant with minimal foliage growth, focusing on root development

Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Avoid fertilizer until established (4-6 weeks). Keep in indirect light.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Plant develops delicate, feathery fronds and creeping or upright stems depending on species

Continue high humidity and moist soil. Fertilize monthly with diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.

3

Maturation

Ongoing

Plant reaches full size with dense, lush foliage; may develop sporangia (spore structures) at frond tips

Maintain regular watering and humidity. Prune occasionally to maintain shape. Reduce fertilizer frequency to every 6-8 weeks.

4

Reproduction

Varies

Microscopic spores form in sporangia at frond tips; true flowering does not occur

Spores are typically too small to see without magnification. No special care needed; plant continues normal growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pothos Calathea Prayer plant (Maranta) Ferns Peperomia Friendship plant (Pilea)

Avoid planting near:

Direct airflow from fans or vents Dry-loving succulents Cacti Heat-loving plants

Common Pests

  • Mist frequently to increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil solution every 3-5 days

  • Reduce overwatering; use sticky traps; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; repot in fresh, sterilized soil if detected

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap

Uses

🏠

Decorative Houseplant & Terrarium Accent

Household

Spike moss adds delicate, feathery texture to indoor spaces, terrariums, and closed glass containers. Its shade tolerance and moisture-loving nature make it ideal for humid bathroom environments and low-light corners. [source]

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Humidity Indicator for Terrariums

Household

Spike moss thrives in closed terrariums and serves as a visual indicator of proper humidity levels. Its health signals whether the terrarium environment is appropriately balanced. [source]

🦋

Microhabitat Provider

Wildlife

In terrariums or vivariums, spike moss provides shelter and hiding places for small animals like dart frogs, isopods, and tiny reptiles while maintaining humidity. [source]

💊

Traditional Asian Medicine

Medicinal

Certain Selaginella species (particularly S. tamariscina) are used in traditional Chinese medicine for conditions like inflammation and fever, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Spike moss is not harvested for food or material use. Prune stems as needed to maintain shape and remove dead foliage. For propagation, gently separate rooted segments and replant in moist medium.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Spike moss is one of the oldest vascular plants on Earth, with a lineage dating back over 400 million years to the Devonian period, predating the evolution of flowering plants.
  • 🌱 Many Selaginella species exhibit remarkable desiccation tolerance—some can lose up to 95% of their water content and completely revive within hours of rehydration (called 'poikilohydry').
  • 🌱 Despite the common name 'moss,' spike moss is not a true moss; it is a lycophyte more closely related to club mosses and ferns, belonging to the division Lycopodiophyta.

Gardening Terms

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

pH
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