Selaginella kraussiana

Krauss's Clubmoss, African Clubmoss, Krauss' Spikemoss, Spreading Clubmoss

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic2–10 cm

A low-growing lycophyte — an ancient group of spore-bearing plants — native to Africa and Macaronesia. Its feathery, scale-covered stems creep across moist substrate, forming a dense green carpet that may need periodic trimming. It does best in high humidity and low light, which makes it one of the most reliable groundcover plants for closed terrariums.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Krauss's Clubmoss image

Photo by Morgane Merien·CC0

Care

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
12°C – 26°C

Soil

Peat moss(preferred)Moisture retentiveLoamy

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingTrailing

Leaf shape

Lance

Leaf texture

FeatherySmooth

Distribution

Propagation

Cut stem segments and press them onto moist moss or substrate. Roots develop from the nodes wherever they contact moist media, with no rooting hormone needed. Works reliably in a closed terrarium environment.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Selaginella kraussiana

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:90781-3
  2. 2

    PlantZAfrica / SANBI — Selaginella kraussiana

    https://pza.sanbi.org/selaginella-kraussiana
  3. 3

    NC State Extension — Selaginella kraussiana

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/selaginella-kraussiana/
  4. 4
  5. 5

    Plantophiles — Selaginella kraussiana care guide

    https://plantophiles.com/plant-care/selaginella-kraussiana/
  6. 6

    Bantam Earth — Club Moss Selaginella kraussiana

    https://bantam.earth/club-moss-selaginella-kraussiana/
  7. 7