Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Dense Clubmoss Plant Care
Lycopodium deuterodensum Herter
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its unique fern-like leaves that form dense, bushy mats. Originating from the mountainous regions of New Zealand, Lycopodium deuterodensum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and exotic appearance that adds a touch of wild beauty to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Filtered sunlight to partial shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dense Clubmoss?
Water Dense Clubmoss every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Dense Clubmoss Native To?
What Is the Dense Clubmoss?
Dense Clubmoss (Lycopodium deuterodensum) belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family within the Lycopodium genus. Dense Clubmoss is native to Australia, the North Island of New Zealand and New Caledonia.
Dense Clubmoss displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Dense Clubmoss produces small inconspicuous spore-producing cones.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dense Clubmoss?
Lycopodium deuterodensum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dense Clubmoss Need?
Dense Clubmoss thrives in filtered sunlight to partial shade. Avoid placing Dense Clubmoss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dense Clubmoss Prefer?
Lycopodium deuterodensum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Dense Clubmoss prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dense Clubmoss?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Dense Clubmoss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dense Clubmoss?
Feed Dense Clubmoss every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dense Clubmoss?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dense Clubmoss?
Dense Clubmoss can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stiff clubmoss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dense Clubmoss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dense Clubmoss, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dense Clubmoss?
Dense Clubmoss is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dense Clubmoss Need?
Dense Clubmoss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Dense Clubmoss is native to Australia, the North Island of New Zealand and New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Dense Clubmoss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Dense Clubmoss is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lycopodium genus — compare its care with other Lycopodium species on PlantoScan.
Lycopodium is part of the Lycopodiaceae plant family — browse all Lycopodiaceae genera and species.
Dense Clubmoss produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
More Lycopodium Species
Other Lycopodium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lycopodium deuterodensum Herter, family Lycopodiaceae (first published in Index Lycopodiarum 1949) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dense Clubmoss, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Dense Clubmoss Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species