Selaginella Kraussiana Aurea

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Krauss's spikemoss; African clubmoss; golden club moss; mini club moss; trailing spikemoss

Synonyms

Selaginella kraussiana var. aurea; Golden clubmoss

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Africa, Macaronesia

Habitat

Shady, moist forest floors and rich, damp soils in humid tropical and subtropical regions

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Carpeting

Max height

2 – 4 in (5.1 – 10 cm)

Spread

18 in (46 cm)

Growth rate

Fast

Placement

Foreground, Carpet

Water

Temperature

65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C)

Humidity

70 – 90%

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Yellow, Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Cuttings, Plantlets

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Care guide

Overview

Rarely topping a few inches tall, this cultivar spreads into a dense, ferny mat of chartreuse-gold foliage across the foreground. It only does well under enclosed, humid conditions with bright indirect light to hold its golden hue, and needs regular trimming to keep its fast creeping growth in bounds. Never let it sit below the waterline.

Care

This cultivar forms a dense, ferny mat of chartreuse to golden-green foliage and stays low, rarely exceeding a few inches in height. It needs constant moisture and high ambient humidity, making it far better suited to enclosed terrariums and vivariums than open room air. Bright, indirect light brings out the best golden coloring, while direct sun scorches the delicate fronds and deep shade fades the yellow tones toward plain green. Regular trimming keeps the spread in check, since it can creep quickly over open substrate and climb onto neighboring decor.

Planting & trimming

Press stem cuttings or small divisions lightly into moist, organic-rich substrate or spread them over damp soil, since roots form readily along the trailing stems. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged and maintain high humidity around the foliage. Trim back regularly to control its fast spread and to keep the mat neat, saving healthy cuttings for propagation.

Fertilizing

Feeds primarily through its fine root system, so a nutrient-rich substrate or occasional root tab benefits growth more than liquid dosing. In terrarium setups a light misting with a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks during active growth is usually enough. Pale or washed-out fronds often signal insufficient light or a nutrient-poor substrate rather than a specific deficiency.

Propagation

Propagates easily by dividing established mats or taking stem cuttings, which root quickly when laid on damp substrate. Sections with existing aerial roots along the stem establish fastest. New plantlets can be potted on or spread directly across bare terrarium substrate to fill in coverage.

Problems

Prolonged submersion or waterlogging causes the fronds to blacken and rot, so this plant must be kept above the waterline in paludariums and vivariums. Low humidity leads to browning and crisping of the tips, while stagnant, overly wet conditions can invite fungal issues. Slugs and snails will readily graze on the foliage if given access.

Sources

1. Krauss' Spikemoss - Selaginella kraussiana, NC State Extension
2. Selaginella 'Aurea' | BBC Gardeners World Magazine
3. Selaginella Kraussiana Is the Easy Plant You Should Know - The Spruce
4. Plant Profile for Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' - Golden Spikemoss

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