The Ruby Red Club Moss is a unique plant known for its vibrant hues and delicate texture. It is a popular choice for adding color to indoor plant arrangements and enhancing horticultural displays.
What is Ruby Red Club Moss?
Ruby Red Club Moss, scientifically known as Selaginella erythropus or Selaginella erythropus ‘Sanguinea’, is not a true moss but a member of the spikemoss family (Selaginella genus). This tropical plant is native to the rainforests of South America, particularly regions of Colombia and Ecuador, where it thrives in warm, humid, and shaded environments.
Its finely textured leaves are green on top, with a striking ruby red or burgundy color on the underside and stems, creating a beautiful layered effect. The plant has a creeping growth habit, spreading horizontally to form a dense mat, typically reaching 2 to 8 inches in height.
Caring for Ruby Red Club Moss
Light Requirements
Ruby Red Club Moss thrives in low to moderate, indirect light conditions, mimicking its natural habitat on the forest floor. Direct sunlight can damage its delicate leaves and cause its vibrant colors to fade. If natural light is too intense, artificial grow lights designed for low-light plants can help maintain its coloration.
Watering Needs
Maintaining consistent moisture in the soil is important for Ruby Red Club Moss, as the plant does not tolerate drying out. Water when the top layer of soil begins to feel slightly dry to the touch, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Using distilled or rainwater is beneficial, as tap water with high mineral content can potentially harm the delicate foliage.
Soil and Potting
Ruby Red Club Moss grows best in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil. An ideal mix often combines peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite to ensure good drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Layering the bottom of the pot with small rocks or activated charcoal can improve drainage and reduce the risk of root rot. Compact containers or terrariums are suitable for potting, given its low-growing and spreading nature.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm, stable temperatures, ideally ranging between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Cold drafts or fluctuating temperatures can cause stress to the plant. High humidity is also important for Ruby Red Club Moss, as it naturally inhabits moist rainforest environments. Aim to maintain humidity levels above 70%, which can be achieved by placing the plant in a closed terrarium, misting it regularly, or using a humidifier.
Fertilization
Ruby Red Club Moss has minimal fertilization needs. During its active growing period, typically from spring to fall, a weak dose of diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every one to two months to support growth. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can burn the plant’s roots and cause discoloration of the leaves.
Propagating Ruby Red Club Moss
Propagating Ruby Red Club Moss is relatively straightforward and can be achieved through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, select healthy, vigorous stems and cut them into 2-4 inch lengths, ensuring each cutting has several leaves or nodes. These cuttings can then be placed into a moist, well-draining potting mix, with at least one node buried beneath the soil surface to encourage rooting. Alternatively, as the plant naturally creeps and roots from its tips, division is also an effective method. Gently separate rooted sections from the main plant and replant them in suitable moist soil.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Ruby Red Club Moss is generally resilient, but growers might encounter a few common issues. Leaf discoloration, such as yellowing, can indicate overwatering, low humidity, or insufficient light. Adjusting watering frequency, increasing humidity, and ensuring proper indirect light exposure can help restore the plant’s health. Brown patches on the foliage often result from dry spells or inadequate moisture.
Pests like spider mites and scale insects can occasionally affect Ruby Red Club Moss. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of these pests, such as fine webbing or small bumps, is important. Prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage infestations. Fungal diseases, appearing as white or fuzzy growth, can occur in overly damp conditions with poor air circulation. Reducing excessive moisture and improving drainage are key solutions, and baking soda mixed with water can act as an effective fungicide without harming the plant.