How to Plant and Grow Spike Moss

Where to Grow Spike Moss

In cooler or drier climates, it's ideal to keep spike moss inside, where you can control the environment more easily. Place these stunning plants in bright, indirect light for best growth. Ideal spots include near an east-facing window of the house for morning light or slightly away from direct light in a south-facing window. If you use a terrarium that doesn't have a cover, you can still maintain the humidity in the area by sealing it or by adding a shallow dish of water nearby to help the plant stay hydrated throughout the season.

How and When to Plant Spike Moss

You can plant spike moss any time of the year, making it versatile for indoor garden enthusiasts. Its shallow roots mean you don't need a deep pot to grow it—just ensure the roots are well-covered with enough soil. After planting spike moss, give it a good drink of water to settle it into its new home.

Care Tips for Spike Moss

Light: Spike moss thrives under bright, indirect light but can manage in lower light settings too. Avoid placing this plant in direct sunlight, as the leaves can get sunburned, damaging or even killing the plant.
Soil and Water: When planting spike moss, use light, loamy soil that retains moisture well but also drains effectively. Although spike moss can tolerate dry spells every once in a while, it thrives best when its soil remains consistently moist.
Temperature and Humidity: Spike moss likes temperatures that are cool to warm. It stops growing and may die if exposed to freezing conditions. Avoid placing spike moss in dry, hot areas. High humidity is key for its healthy growth—think of mimicking the moist environment of a forest floor.
Fertilizer: Spike moss doesn't need much fertilizer in order to grow, especially if it's in soil rich with organic matter, such as compost. But, mature plants might appreciate a bit of organic liquid fertilizer once or twice a year during their growing season to thrive.

Potting and Repotting

When it's time to repot your spike moss, here's how:

Carefully remove the plant from its original pot by gently flipping it upside down, holding the base of the plant with one hand while supporting the pot with the other.
Gently shake or squeeze the original pot to loosen and release the root ball.
Dig a new hole in your fresh potting soil about the same size as the root ball.
Position the spike moss in its new home, filling in around it with soil. Lightly pat it down and water thoroughly to eliminate any air pockets.

Pests and Problems

Spike moss usually doesn't attract pests, but it can suffer from root rot if it is overwatered. Keep the humidity in the area high, but avoid letting the roots sit in water. If you notice rot, trim away the affected areas and move the plant to fresh potting soil. Conversely, if the plant dries out too much, soak it in water for about 30 minutes, then place it back in a humid spot.

How to Propagate Spike Moss

To propagate spike moss yourself, use a clean pair of scissors to take cuttings from healthy stems. Carefully remove sections with roots from the soil. Plant these cuttings in a fresh new pot, ensuring the roots are lightly covered with moist potting soil.

Types of Spike Moss

Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea': A popular variety with light green or yellowish foliage. This gorgeous variety has less chlorophyll, making it slightly less hardy. Ensure it gets very bright but indirect light to keep it healthy without causing leaf burns.
'Brownii': Another well-liked variety, known for its thicker, mounding growth that spreads more slowly than other types of spike moss.

Companion Plants for Spike Moss

Spike moss is a slow grower, staying low to the ground. Pair it with other stunning, easy-going terrarium plants to prevent overcrowding. Consider smaller ferns, like tropical maidenhair ferns (e.g., Adiantum tenerum), or carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp.), as they thrive in similar high-humidity, moisture-rich conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spike moss poisonous?

No, spike moss is not toxic to humans or pets.

Is spike moss invasive?

In certain areas of the world, especially outside its native range, spike moss can become invasive. For instance, it's listed as invasive in New Zealand.

Is spike moss a fern?

Although spike moss looks fern-like, it's neither a true fern nor a moss. It's part of the Selaginella genus, which includes hundreds of species of plants, with only a select few commonly grown as houseplants.