Selaginella moellendorffii

Selaginella moellendorffii
A prehistoric creeper with soft texture and vivid green color

Selaginella moellendorffii is a low-growing, moss-like plant that’s actually a type of spikemoss—an ancient relative of ferns and lycopods. Native to parts of Asia and tropical forests around the world, this species forms a dense, bright green mat of delicate, lacy foliage. Its soft, feathery texture and gentle trailing habit make it a beautiful choice for terrariums, humid greenhouses, or as a creeping ground cover in shaded outdoor pots.

Despite its delicate appearance, this plant grows quickly in the right conditions and adds a lush, prehistoric vibe wherever it’s planted.

Light: Bright gentle light to shade. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the fronds.
Temperature: Prefers warm conditions (65–85°F). Avoid temperatures below 55°F.
Humidity: High humidity (60–90%) is essential. Will not tolerate dry air—perfect for terrariums or humidity-boosted spaces.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist at all times. Never let it dry out. Use distilled or filtered water if your tap water is hard—San Francisco’s Hetch Hetchy water is generally safe.
Soil: Moisture-retentive, well-draining mix rich in organic matter.
Fertilizer: Light feeding every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with diluted fertilizer.

How to grow Selaginella moellendorffii indoors:
This plant thrives in terrariums, under glass, or in high-humidity environments like bright bathrooms or warm greenhouse cabinets. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide gentle airflow to prevent mold. It spreads horizontally and may root wherever stems touch soil.

How to grow Selaginella moellendorffii outdoors in the Bay Area:
Outdoors, Selaginella does best in shady, protected locations like covered patios or north-facing nooks. It prefers cool, moist microclimates such as coastal gardens in San Francisco, Daly City, or Half Moon Bay. Inland growers should treat it as a seasonal plant or bring it indoors during dry or cold spells. Never allow it to dry out.

Pet safe: Yes
Difficulty: Intermediate. Needs consistent moisture and humidity, but grows quickly when happy.