Krauss Spikemoss Selaginella kraussiana
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as club moss is a lush, trailing plant with a carpet-like growth habit that forms dense green mats. It stands out with its small, scale-like leaves that are bright green and lined up neatly along the slender, branching stems. The leaves can sometimes appear to have a slightly bluish or frosty tint. This verdant foliage gives the plant a feathery, delicate texture that is soft to the touch. The mats of this plant are often interspersed with small, inconspicuous cones that bear spores, which emerge from the central stem region. The overall impression is one of a miniature forest or a fairy-tale blanket of greenery cascading over the soil or container in which it grows. Its appearance is well-suited for adding a touch of green to shaded garden areas or as an ornamental feature in terrariums and indoor plant displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Selaginellaceae
Synonyms
Krauss's Spikemoss, African Clubmoss, Trailing Selaginella, Spreading Clubmoss
Common names
Selaginella kraussiana var. australis, Selaginella kraussiana var. browniana, Lycopodioides caulescens, Lycopodioides kraussiana, Selaginella willdenowii var. australis, Selaginella browniana, Selaginella uliginosa
ToxicityTo humans
Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as Krauss's spikemoss, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant, and ingestion of any part of it does not typically result in noticeable symptoms or health consequences. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild discomfort, though this is not common.
To pets
Krauss's spikemoss is not known to be toxic to pets either. It does not appear on lists of poisonous plants for animals such as dogs and cats, and there are no reported cases of poisoning from this plant in pets. Ingesting Krauss's spikemoss is not expected to cause any significant symptoms or health issues in animals. However, ingestion of non-food items can sometimes cause gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction, so it is generally best to prevent pets from eating plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as Krauss's spikemoss, adds a lush, green carpet to shaded garden areas, terrariums, and indoor displays with its fine-textured foliage.
- Low maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep once established in appropriate conditions.
- Soil erosion control: Its dense growth habit helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion in shaded landscape areas.
- Humidity tolerance: Krauss's spikemoss thrives in humid environments, making it an ideal choice for gardens in wetter climates or as a bathroom plant.
- Propagation ease: It can easily be propagated through division or spores, allowing gardeners to spread the plant throughout their garden or share with others.
- Drought resistance: Once established, this plant can tolerate short periods of drought, though it prefers consistent moisture.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Model organism in biology research: Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as Krauss's Spikemoss, is sometimes used as a model organism in plant biology for studies on plant evolution and development due to its unique position in the plant kingdom.
- Education: It can be used in classrooms for teaching about plant morphology and life cycles, particularly to illustrate the characteristics of lycophytes.
- Crafts and decoration: This plant is sometimes incorporated into fairy gardens or miniature landscapes due to its fine-textured foliage and low growth habit.
- Biodegradable packaging: Research is being done into using dried and treated specimens of spikemoss, including Krauss's Spikemoss, for sustainable packaging materials.
- Bioindicators: Krauss's Spikemoss can be used as an indicator of air humidity and soil moisture in controlled environments, such as greenhouses, due to its sensitivity to these factors.
- Photography subjects: Their intricate form and textures make Krauss's Spikemoss a popular subject for macro and nature photography.
- Living Walls: Krauss's Spikemoss can be used to create green, living walls indoors, often in conjunction with other moisture-loving plants for visual impact and microclimate control.
- Rituals and traditions: Some cultures may use spikemosses in ceremonial ways, for instance, as a part of traditional weddings or funeral arrangements.
- Water-wise gardens: As a plant that can tolerate some level of drought once acclimated, it can be included in gardens designed to conserve water.
- Vivariums: Spikemoss is suitable for humid vivarium setups and can be used as ground cover for amphibians and reptiles to mimic their natural environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spikemoss is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spikemoss is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Selaginella kraussiana, also known as Krauss's spikemoss, is known for its ability to survive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt and persist through challenges.
- Evergreen Nature: As a plant that stays green throughout the year, Krauss's spikemoss symbolizes everlasting life or perpetuity.
- Humility: Its low-growing habit and the way it spreads across the ground can represent humility and unassuming character.
- Healing: In some cultures, spikemosses are used in traditional medicine, symbolizing healing and restoration.
WaterThe club moss, commonly known as Selaginella kraussiana, thrives in consistently moist soil. It should be watered enough to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged, which typically equates to watering lightly once a week, depending on environmental conditions. During warmer periods or if placed in a particularly dry indoor environment, the club moss may require more frequent watering, possibly every few days. It's essential to provide approximately 8-16 ounces of water at each watering, allowing any excess to drain away to avoid root rot. During winter, when growth slows down, watering can be reduced.
LightFor Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as club moss, indirect light or partial shade is optimal. It should be placed in a spot that receives bright, filtered light away from direct sunlight, as direct sun can scorch its delicate fronds. A north-facing window or a position that is shaded by sheer curtains can create a suitable environment that mimics the dappled light conditions of the plant's natural habitat.
TemperatureClub moss prefers a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 - 24°C). Temperatures below 50°F can be detrimental to the plant, and it should never be exposed to freezing conditions. Maintaining an environment close to the ideal temperature range will support healthy growth and vitality for the club moss.
PruningPruning the club moss, Selaginella kraussiana, is mainly to maintain its shape and remove any brown or yellow fronds. It can be done as needed throughout the year, but the best time for more thorough pruning is in the spring. Trim the plant lightly to encourage denser growth, using clean, sharp scissors. Pruning is typically infrequent, and care should be taken not to over-prune, as this can harm the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClub moss thrives best in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth conditions.
RepottingClub moss should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingClub moss prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 70% and 90%, for healthy growth and vitality.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place club moss in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow club moss in shade with moist soil and protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleKrauss's spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana) begins its life cycle with spore germination, which can occur in a variety of moist, shady habitats suitable for its growth. The germinated spores develop into small, free-living, gametophyte stages that are seldom seen, and these produce either sperm or eggs. Fertilization occurs when sperm swim through a film of moisture to reach and fertilize the eggs, producing a zygote. The zygote then develops into the sporophyte, the familiar vegetative form of Krauss's spikemoss, which is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with finely textured, feather-like leaves. The sporophyte produces strobili, or cone-like structures, where spores are formed through meiosis in structures called sporangia. When mature, these spores are released to restart the life cycle, spreading to new locations to germinate and grow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagation for Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as Krauss's spikemoss, is through division. This typically takes place during the spring or early summer months when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from its container or garden location, and gently tease apart the plants into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has roots attached. These clumps can then be replanted in fresh potting mix, ideally in small pots or containers that are about 4 inches in diameter (approximately 10 centimeters). The newly potted divisions should be kept moist and in a bright area without direct sunlight until they are well-established. This method is effective due to the plant's natural inclination to spread through its rooting system, which makes it relatively easy to separate and grow new clumps.