Trailing Clubmoss
selaginella kraussiana
Also known as: ["Emerald Carpet","Krauss's Spikemoss"]
Overview
A low-growing, creeping evergreen plant with delicate, moss-like foliage, often used as a ground cover or hanging plant.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Lycopodiophyta |
| Class: | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order: | Selaginellales |
| Family: | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus: | Selaginella |
| Botanical Name: | Selaginella kraussiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in humid bathroom or shaded outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, peat-based mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when stems become leggy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours; tolerates lower light but may grow slower; avoid direct sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light; protect from direct sunlight to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; monitor for signs of stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain even moisture; avoid letting soil dry out completely; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix designed for ferns or tropical plants; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–80°F (10–27°C); prefers stable temperatures, avoiding extremes.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heating vents; maintain stable temperatures; monitor for stress signs.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burning; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Optional but can help speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node; trim back to desired shape.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain appearance and health; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; helps refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry; avoid wetting the leaves excessively.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch feels slightly dry; reduce frequency in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips; may drop leaves in extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn brown or black; risk of root rot if soil stays cold and wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; ensure soil doesn't stay waterlogged.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or drying out; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSelaginella kraussiana is not toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects on felines from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSelaginella kraussiana is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSelaginella kraussiana, commonly known as the African clubmoss, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Selaginella kraussiana a true moss?
A: No, it is a spikemoss, though it resembles moss in appearance.
Q: How much light does it need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it ideal for low-light areas.
Q: Is it safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Selaginellaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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