Spikemoss Plant Care
Selaginella heterostachys Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Selaginella heterostachys is a species of plant in the Selaginellaceae family, found in China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea. It was first described by John Gilbert Baker in 1885.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Spikemoss?
Spikemoss grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Spikemoss Native To?
What Is the Spikemoss?
Spikemoss (Selaginella heterostachys) belongs to the Selaginellaceae family within the Selaginella genus. Spikemoss is native to China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea.
Spikemoss displays a low-growing, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spikemoss produces non-flowering plant.
What Light Does the Spikemoss Need?
Spikemoss thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spikemoss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spikemoss?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Spikemoss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Spikemoss?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Spikemoss?
Spikemoss can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spikemoss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spikemoss, 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 Spikemoss?
Spikemoss 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.
Keep exploring plants
Spikemoss 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 Selaginella genus — compare its care with other Selaginella species on PlantoScan.
Selaginella is part of the Selaginellaceae plant family — browse all Selaginellaceae genera and species.
Spikemoss thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Selaginella Species
Other Selaginella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Selaginella heterostachys Baker, family Selaginellaceae (first published in J. Bot. 23: 177, n.° 264 (1885)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spikemoss, 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.
- 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.
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