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Today, we are going to be talking about growing spike moss, this lovely plant here. There are three of them here right now, also botanically known as Selaginella species. This comes from a family of more than 700 species of mossy or fern-like seedless mosses in the Selaginellaceae family. As mentioned, they are widely distributed in all parts of the world, particularly in the tropics. Many of them are forest plants.
The ones that are most commonly grown as houseplants are known as spike moss, and they are admired for their decorative branching, mossy-like foliage, which is really pretty. They are fairly easy to grow indoors, providing that you give them what they need, and I’m going to go through what they need.
Another mention here too is they are a great terrarium plant. They also do really well in the terrarium environment because of their cultivation needs, and these guys are going to be going into some terrariums that I’m going to be doing in some upcoming videos, so you will see them later if you watch the videos on the terrariums.
Lighting for Spike Moss: They grow in various parts of the world, and a lot of times that is in the forest. So, they don’t do really well in very strong light indoors. You wouldn’t want to put them in a really bright window, such as a western exposure window, because the delicate foliage will burn if you do that. It’s good to put them in an eastern window; a southern window may work too, just keep an eye on the foliage to ensure it doesn’t get too bright. Northern windows are not bright enough; however, if you only have a northern window or dim conditions, get some full-spectrum light bulbs to put in nearby fixtures. They stimulate daylight, so those full-spectrum lighting options will do a really good job in keeping your Selaginella happy and healthy.
Watering: They like to have damp but not wet soil, so you don’t want them to dry out. You should keep the soil on the moist side. On the moisture meter, you would want to water them when they are in the four or five range. You definitely don’t want to get into the red zone with dryness; however, don’t overwater, as constant sogginess will lead to root rot. Provide them with nice, even moisture and always use warm water when you water them.
Temperature: In terms of temperature, keep it between 55 to 60 degrees at a minimum, as they won’t do well below that. Ideally, aim for a range between 60 to 80 degrees, which is manageable for most homes.
Humidity: They love humidity. The foliage dries out very easily, so the humidity is very important for these plants. That’s why they thrive in covered terrariums. If you’re not going to put them in a terrarium, boost the humidity as much as possible. Grouping plants together can help, as they will humidify each other. You can also use humidity trays or put them near a humidifier if you live in a dry climate. Misting can provide temporary humidity, but it’s not a long-term solution, so be mindful of that.
Nutrition: You want to feed them only about two to three times a year with an organic houseplant food. I have one called my Green Gourmet houseplant food, which works really well for them. If you’re using other fertilizers, I suggest using them at half strength to avoid burning their tender roots.
Common Problems: If you notice browning leaves, it generally indicates the plant is in shock, which could be due to cold water, too much light, or excessive moisture. Check the conditions and rectify any issues quickly to prevent further decline.
Air Movement: Keep in mind that drafty conditions aren’t ideal for these plants, so reposition them away from doorways where cold drafts come in. You can prune them back gently when needed; while they tend to grow slowly, pinching back will encourage bushier growth.
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FAQ About Growing Spike Moss
What is spike moss?
Spike moss, scientifically known as Selaginella, is a type of mossy or fern-like plant that is easy to grow indoors and thrives in humid environments.
What kind of light does spike moss need?
Spike moss prefers indirect light and should not be placed in strong sunlight, especially western exposure. An eastern or southern window is ideal.
How often should I water spike moss?
Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Water when the moisture meter reads four or five, using warm water to avoid shocking the plant.
What temperature is best for spike moss?
Spike moss thrives in temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees.
How can I boost humidity for spike moss?
Group plants together, use humidity trays, or mist them regularly. Keeping spike moss in a covered terrarium also helps maintain humidity levels.
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