Photo: Matteo BellucciCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Blue Spike Moss Plant Care
Selaginella substipitata Spring
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With delicate, feathery leaves that resemble tiny ferns, this plant originates from the humid forests of Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in terrariums, adding a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor plant collections.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Blue Spike Moss?
Water Blue Spike Moss every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Blue Spike Moss Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Blue Spike Moss?
Blue Spike Moss (Selaginella substipitata) belongs to the Selaginellaceae family within the Selaginella genus. Blue Spike Moss is native to Caribbean islands, Colombia, and Venezuela. Blue Spike Moss is also known as Peacock Spikemoss.
Blue Spike Moss displays a low-growing, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Blue Spike Moss produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blue Spike Moss?
Selaginella substipitata requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Blue Spike Moss Need?
Blue Spike Moss thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Blue Spike Moss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blue Spike Moss Prefer?
Selaginella substipitata grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Blue Spike Moss prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blue Spike Moss?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Blue Spike Moss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Blue Spike Moss?
Feed Blue Spike Moss 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 Blue Spike Moss?
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 Blue Spike Moss?
Blue Spike Moss can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Blue Spike Moss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Blue Spike Moss, 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 Blue Spike Moss?
Blue Spike Moss 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 Blue Spike Moss Need?
Blue Spike Moss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Blue Spike Moss is native to Caribbean islands, Colombia, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Blue Spike Moss as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Blue Spike Moss 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.
Blue Spike Moss 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 substipitata Spring, family Selaginellaceae (first published in Bull. Acad. Roy. Sci. Bruxelles 10, pt. 1: 227 (1843)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blue Spike Moss, 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: Matteo Bellucci, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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