Selaginella Moellendorffii

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Club Moss; Spike Moss; Trailing Moss

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

China, Southeast Asia

Habitat

Damp, shaded forest floors and humid rocky outcrops in subtropical and tropical regions

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

3 – 10 in (7.6 – 25 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

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

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Selaginella moellendorffii is a primitive spikemoss with thick, waxy green fronds that spread low across the substrate rather than climbing. It tolerates slightly drier air than related mosses but still needs shade, steady humidity and loose, well-draining soil, making it best suited to closed terrariums and vivariums rather than open aquatic tanks.

Care

This spikemoss has thicker, waxier fronds than many of its relatives, which lets it tolerate slightly drier conditions without crisping up as fast. It still needs consistently high humidity and a loose, moisture-retentive substrate to look its best, so closed or mostly closed terrariums and vivariums suit it better than open tanks. Keep it out of direct sun and away from cold drafts, since both stress the foliage quickly. It spreads slowly along the substrate surface rather than climbing, filling in low gaps between rocks and driftwood over time.

Planting & trimming

Remove any packing material from around the roots and plant into a loose, well-draining terrestrial substrate such as a peat, leaf mold, and perlite blend. Position it in a partially shaded, humid area of the terrarium or vivarium, never submerged, since prolonged contact with standing water will kill it. Light trimming can be done to control spread and remove any dead or browning fronds, and cuttings can be pressed back into moist substrate to fill in bare patches.

Fertilizing

Selaginella moellendorffii draws nutrients through its fine root system rather than its foliage, so occasional light doses of a diluted liquid fertilizer worked into the substrate are more useful than foliar feeding. A nutrient-poor mix benefits from an organic-rich topdressing or a pinch of root tab material mixed in at planting. Yellowing or bleached fronds usually point to a lack of nutrients or too much direct light rather than a specific mineral deficiency.

Propagation

Selaginella moellendorffii propagates easily by dividing established clumps at the rhizome and replanting the sections into fresh moist substrate. Stem or tip cuttings can also be taken and laid on or lightly pressed into humid soil, where they will root given consistent moisture and warmth. New growth is usually visible within a few weeks under stable humid conditions.

Problems

Yellowing leaves are typically a sign of overwatering or waterlogged substrate rather than disease, so easing back on watering frequency usually resolves it. Browning or crisping fronds point to humidity that has dropped too low or exposure to direct sun. Root rot can set in quickly if the growing medium stays saturated without adequate drainage, so a well-aerated mix is important.

Sources

1. Selaginella Moellendorffii Spike Moss | Easy Terrarium Plants - Buce Plant
2. Selaginella moellendorffii (Blue spikemoss)
3. Selaginella Moellendorffii - Spike Moss | Shop Terrarium Plants - Glass Aqua
4. Selaginella moellendorffii: Growing and Cultivation Guide

More Spikemosses

Selaginella Pulvinata