Little Club Moss, a popular plant often found in terrariums or as a houseplant, captivates with its delicate appearance. Despite its common name, this plant is not a true moss but a fern ally, belonging to the genus Selaginella. Its fern-like foliage makes it a favored choice for adding lush greenery to indoor spaces.
Understanding Little Club Moss
Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as little club moss, is a vascular plant classified as a lycophyte. This botanical distinction sets it apart from non-vascular true mosses. While there are numerous Selaginella species, S. kraussiana, also known as Krauss’ spikemoss or African clubmoss, is the most commonly encountered variety referred to as “little club moss.”
This plant exhibits delicate, creeping, fern-like foliage that forms dense, spreading mats. Its small, bright green leaves are arranged on slender stems, which often root as they spread, facilitating its mat-forming growth habit. Some cultivars, such as ‘Aurea’ with golden tips or ‘Variegata’ with white tips, offer variations in foliage color. Native to humid, shaded forest floors in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Macaronesia, its natural habitat provides insight into its care requirements.
Cultivating Little Club Moss
Cultivation of little club moss hinges on replicating its native humid, shaded environment. The plant thrives in indirect, low to medium light. Direct sunlight can scorch its sensitive leaves, leading to damage and browning.
The plant prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allowing the soil to dry out excessively causes stress. A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix, rich in organic matter, is beneficial; a peat-based mix with added perlite or coconut coir provides the necessary balance for drainage and moisture retention. Use room-temperature, lime-free water to avoid shocking the plant or causing mineral buildup.
High humidity is important for little club moss, ideally 60-90%. Placing the plant in a terrarium, using a pebble tray with water, or employing a humidifier helps maintain humidity. Temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) are suitable, and the plant can tolerate temperatures down to 40°F (4°C).
Fertilization should be light and infrequent, once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Pruning is minimal, primarily to maintain shape or remove any dead foliage. Repotting is infrequent, only when the plant becomes root-bound, and is best done in spring.
Propagation and Common Uses
Little club moss propagates through division or stem cuttings. Division involves separating a mature plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each section has roots and foliage. For stem cuttings, healthy foliage sections root in moist soil or water, especially in a high-humidity environment. Cuttings root readily, especially if they include a node where roots can develop.
This plant is commonly used in terrariums and other closed environments due to its high humidity requirements. In warm, humid climates (USDA zones 11-12), it serves as an attractive groundcover in shaded garden areas, tolerating light foot traffic. It is also a decorative houseplant, adding a vibrant green accent to indoor spaces.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Browning or crispy leaves indicate insufficient humidity, underwatering, or too much direct light. Increase ambient humidity with a humidifier or terrarium, ensure consistent soil moisture, and move the plant to a shadier location. Inconsistent watering also causes wilting foliage.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, suggests insufficient light. Move it to a brighter spot with indirect light for more compact growth. While pest-resistant, spider mites can affect little club moss, especially when humidity levels are too low. Maintain appropriate humidity and inspect regularly to prevent infestations.
Overwatering causes root rot, manifesting as yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy stems. Ensure well-draining soil and avoid standing water to prevent roots from sitting in soggy conditions.