Photo: EliasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spikemoss Plant Care
Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A.Braun
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its small, overlapping, scale-like leaves that give it a feathery appearance. Originating from South Africa, its vibrant green color and ability to tolerate low light conditions make it a sought-after addition to plant collections.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spikemoss?
Water Spikemoss every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Spikemoss Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Benin
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kenya
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Malta
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of the Congo
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sudan
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- The Netherlands
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Spikemoss?
Spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana) belongs to the Selaginellaceae family within the Selaginella genus. Spikemoss is native to Europe, Africa, Asia. Spikemoss is also known as Krauss's Spikemoss, Creeping Spikemoss, Clubmoss.
Spikemoss displays a low-growing, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spikemoss produces non-flowering plant.
How Often Should You Water a Spikemoss?
Selaginella kraussiana 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 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 Temperature and Humidity Does the Spikemoss Prefer?
Selaginella kraussiana grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Spikemoss prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
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 Often Should You Fertilize a Spikemoss?
Feed Spikemoss every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
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.
Is the Spikemoss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spikemoss Need?
Spikemoss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Spikemoss is native to Europe, Africa, Asia. In cooler regions, grow Spikemoss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
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.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A.Braun, family Selaginellaceae (first published in Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1859: 22 (1860)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Spikemoss as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Elias, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.
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