Selaginella kraussiana aka Garden Selaginella
Taxonomy
Selaginella kraussiana, also known as Krauss' spikemoss, Krauss's clubmoss, or African clubmoss, is a non-flowering, rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial. It belongs to the family Selaginellaceae and is native to parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and Macaronesia. Despite being mistakenly referred to as "peacock fern," it is not related to ferns but rather belongs to the ancient lineage of clubmosses. This plant has trailing stems that can infinitely spread and root from the nodes, reaching lengths of up to 30cm. It forms evergreen, frond-like sprays of green leaves with yellow-green growing tips. Additionally, it is sometimes called Frosty Fern and is a tropical perennial that can be incorporated into large terrariums or dish gardens. Its festive foliage makes it a popular choice during Christmas, and it can be kept as a houseplant afterwards. Frosty Fern originated from the Azores and mainland Africa.
Common names
Garden Selaginella, Spreading Club Moss, Trailing Spike Moss, Krauss' Spikemoss, Krauss's ClubmossHow to care for Garden Selaginella
Difficulty
Garden Selaginella demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.
Water
Garden Selaginella should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Garden Selaginella is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Spreading Club Moss is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Krauss' Spikemoss with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Garden Selaginella with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Garden Selaginella prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Garden Selaginella is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Fertilizer
The Garden Selaginella grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Garden Selaginella’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Selaginella Genus
Selaginella arenicola Sand Spikemoss
Selaginella willdenowii Peacock Fern
Selaginella pulcherrima
Selaginella uncinata Peacock Moss
Selaginella eclipes Hidden Spikemoss
Selaginella tamariscina Little Club Moss
Selaginella Lesser Clubmoss
Selaginella apoda Meadow Spike Moss
Selaginella wallacei Wallace's Spikemoss
