Selaginella: Lush Ground Cover for a Thriving Garden

Selaginella or Spike Moss, remains a popular element in any garden, often serving as a lush ground cover or as edging plants when used along shaded pathways or borders. These moisture loving plants also thrive in humidity, so it's best to position them somewhere with indirect light and planted in damp soil.

Spike moss mostly grows in the tropical regions of the world with the variation Selaginella uliginosa being endemic to Australia.

How to Plant Selaginella (Spikemoss)?

Planting selaginella species can be done by following simple instructions, which we've listed below:

• If planting outdoors as a ground cover or edging plants, pick an area with filtered light or dappled shade, as well as a location with rich, well-draining soil. If growing indoors, it must be in a container with drainage holes.
• Don't forget to do soil testing when picking a location. Selaginella thrives in a slightly acidic, loamy soil mix. Adding organic matter can enhance moisture retention.
• Plant your Selaginella so that the roots are covered by a thin layer of soil. Press the soil gently around the base to secure the plant.
• Water immediately after planting and make sure the soil is moist but not too much that it becomes soggy. Spike moss loves humidity; misting the plant often can help with that.

Why Should You Buy Selaginella (Spikemoss)?

If you need a low-maintenance ground cover that can thrive even without direct sunlight, Selaginella (Spike moss) is worthwhile adding to your garden landscape.

Here are more reasons why this resurrection plant is worth considering:

Unique Ground Cover: Selaginella is a unique fern-like foliage you can use as an incredible ground cover for your outdoor garden.

Versatile Plant: An enduring genus, selaginella can be grown either in indoor or outdoor shaded garden settings. It can thrive indoors because it prefers low-light and high-humidity conditions.

Resurrection Prowess: Some Selaginella species can come back to life after periods of drought, a truly fascinating ability any gardeners out there would benefit from.

Adds Beautiful Texture: Great for adding texture to your plant collection, providing a soft contrast to other garden plants.

How to Care for Selaginella (Spikemoss)?

Spike moss is a low maintenance plant that doesn't require comprehensive care and maintenance, an appealing benefit if you're a beginner or a busy gardener.

But just to refresh you on how to ensure the plant remains healthy, here are some care tips you can use as guide:

• Water regularly, especially in dry conditions because Selaginella prefers consistently moist soil. However, avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
• This plant loves humidity. Misting or placing it near a humidifier will help maintain ideal conditions.
• Selaginella grows best in low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as that can scorch your leaves.
• Spike Moss prefers warm conditions and doesn't tolerate cold well, so best keep it in temperatures between 15-24°C. Make sure it's protected from cold drafts or intense fluctuations in temperatures.
• Spike Moss doesn't need much plant food. You can feed maybe twice a year with soluble diluted, balanced fertiliser. Do not fertilise newly potted selaginella for at least two months. Once grown, avoid over-fertilising because that can damage the plant's delicate root system.

Things to Consider When Growing Selaginella

Due to its high humidity requirement, Selaginella struggles in dry conditions. If you're growing it indoors, it's really important to mist regularly or use a humidity tray to keep up with this specific need.

In terms of lighting preference, too much direct sunlight won't do this plant any good as it prefers the opposite. With that said, it's recommended that your plant is placed in a low-light area.

Treating Selaginella for Pests and Diseases

Selaginella is relatively pest-resistant, but it may occasionally attract aphids and spider mites, which you can treat with a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil.

The plant may also suffer from fungal issues due to over-watering, often leading to fungal root rot. To be proactive about fungal problems, ensure good drainage, reduce watering, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings if needed.

Where Can I Buy Selaginella (Spikemoss)?

Transform your outdoor space with the ancient charm of Selaginella plants. For inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact us.

We also offer gardening inspiration to help you achieve your dream garden. Better yet, take our Garden Quiz to find out which gardening style is best for your space.

Companion Plants for Selaginella (Spikemoss)

It makes good sense to pair Spike moss with other plants that thrive in similar humid with indirect light conditions. Consider combining it with:

• Silver Lady Fern: Ferns such as the silver lady fern create a lush, woodland effect that pairs beautifully with Spike moss.
• Zoysia Tenuifolia: This low maintenance grass and its fine foliage contrasts nicely with Spike Moss' dense ground cover.
• Pratia White Star Creeper: Known for its dense ground cover foliage and white flowers, it matches Selaginella's shade requirements.
• Imperial Green Philodendron: Philodendron Green Congo brings a touch of the tropics indoors and thrive under similar care conditions.