Krauss' spikemoss
Selaginella kraussiana
Aurea
About this plant
Selaginella kraussiana, known as Krauss' spikemoss, is a low-growing, spreading plant with small, bright green leaves that form a dense mat. It is often used as ground cover in shaded gardens or as a decorative indoor plant. This plant is appreciated for its lush, fern-like appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions. It is not a true moss but a spikemoss, related to ferns. It can help improve indoor air quality and adds a soft, green texture to plant collections.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Selaginella
- Family
- Selaginellaceae
- Higher classification
- Lycopodiophyta (clubmosses)
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Southern Africa
- Distribution
- Native to parts of Africa and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Shade
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- North-facing, East-facing, Northeast-facing, Northwest-facing
- Watering frequency
- Frequent
- Watering interval
- 1–3 days
- Humidity
- High
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18-24 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 8-11
- Soil pH
- 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining, rich potting soil with good moisture retention
Watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top of the soil feels slightly dry. Mist regularly to maintain high humidity, especially indoors.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Selaginella kraussiana prefers moist, shaded environments and does not like direct sunlight. It needs regular watering to keep the soil damp but not soggy. It can be sensitive to dry air and cold temperatures, so maintaining humidity and warmth helps it thrive. Overall, it requires moderate care and attention to humidity and watering.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Division
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- No
Dense mats of small, bright green leaves with a soft, fern-like texture.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets, safe to keep around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Dust accumulation
- Pollen level
- None
Selaginella kraussiana is generally safe and unlikely to cause allergies. People sensitive to plant spores or dust might want to keep the plant clean to reduce any mild reactions.
Common problems
Common problems include browning or drying of leaves due to low humidity or underwatering, and root rot if overwatered. It may also suffer if exposed to direct sunlight or cold drafts.
Uses
Used as an ornamental ground cover in shaded gardens and as a decorative indoor plant. It helps improve indoor air quality and adds lush greenery to plant collections.
Notes
Prune occasionally to keep the plant dense and prevent legginess. Repot when the plant outgrows its container, usually every 2-3 years. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.