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

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 12–26 °C, and reaches 10 cm at maturity.

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

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.

Native range

Native to Macaronesia, West Tropical Africa, West-Central Tropical Africa, Northeast Tropical Africa, East Tropical Africa, South Tropical Africa, and Southern Africa.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingTrailing

Leaf shape

Lance

Leaf texture

FeatherySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Krauss's Clubmoss grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Krauss's Clubmoss prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does Krauss's Clubmoss need drainage?

Krauss's Clubmoss prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Krauss's Clubmoss need?

Krauss's Clubmoss does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Krauss's Clubmoss pet-safe?

Krauss's Clubmoss is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Krauss's Clubmoss grow?

Krauss's Clubmoss typically reaches 2–10 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Krauss's Clubmoss?

Krauss's Clubmoss can be propagated by stem cuttings or division or spores.

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