This is especially true for those growing selaginella outdoors. Their need for moisture typically makes them better grown in zones 7-9 where temperatures and humidity are maintained at a more constant level throughout the year. Soil around these plants should be kept consistently moist, not dripping wet but also do not allow them to dry out.
There are some rare variations that can grow with little to no moisture and thrive such as the selaginella lepidophylia, or Resurrection Plant which can literally come back to life after being allowed to dry out and turn brown. Most varieties of this unique plant require moist soil as well as a moist, highly humid environment. How much water do Selaginella plants need? This variety is also a common choice in a vivarium for frogs or lizards because of their need for high-moisture and their coloring that makes them attractive when on display. They work great in rock gardens that are well-drained. These plants grow best in tropical conditions with high humidity, partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Unicanta makes an excellent groundcover as its bushy foliage makes a dense mat on the ground. They grow in a trailing or creeping direction but also grow up to about 2-3 inches in height. The leaves are oblong in shape and appear paper-like and very delicate. It is often referred to as Peacock Spikemoss thanks to the bright iridescent, blue-green color of its leaves. This selaginella variety is also a native to China. It is best known for its ability to be completely dry, turn brown, and roll into a ball only to be “resurrected” with water and opens up to be green and flat again. This is one of the easiest of the species to grow as it only requires a shallow dish with gravel, little water, and indirect, bright sunlight. It is a creeping variety that grows to about 3 inches high and 6 inches wide. It has dense clusters of dark green leaves that have a scaly appearance. It is commonly found in the Chihuahuan Desert near the border of Mexico and the US. Unlike most of its species, this plant is native to the dry deserts. The show-off of the bunch, this variety of selaginella is also known as the Resurrection Plant.
It is commonly called Staunton’s Spike Moss and grows best in light shade and dryer, woodland ground. They grow upright and spread to about 12 inches. Stauntoniana varieties are more slow growing than other selaginella species. Its foliage is green, triangular shaped and grows on chestnut-colored stems to 6-8 inches tall. The stems and branches can easily be pruned to keep it from spreading.Ī native to China, this variety has an evergreen-like appearance. They spread out along the soil instead of climbing up. Its leaves are bright green and grow in tiny clumps about 1 inch tall. The stems of this variety tend to spread quickly and form a dense mat across the soil. Native to the tropics of Southern Africa, it has a unique appearance in its branching foliage. This species is the one most referred to as spike moss or club moss. Below are just a few of the most common types that are grown in this area either in gardens or indoor pots. There are over 700 plant species in the selaginella family. These plants are also often referred to as spike moss, trailing moss, spreading club moss, or arborvitae ferns.Īre there different types of Selaginella plants? Creeping varieties will grow new roots directly from their stem as they spread. They are a perennial that is commonly found as a ground cover that spreads quickly through a garden or landscape Their leaves and stems branch out wherever they grow. The selaginella can be a creeping plant, a climber, or a trailing plant. Age and light exposure cause them to turn more greenish hue. They are green in color but can appear bluish if grown in the shade. Overall, most varieties have simple, scale-like leaves that have one vein running through them. There are different varieties of selaginella plants, which you will find out more about later, so there are some differences in their appearance. Whichever growing method you choose, we hope this information gives you some insight into basic selaginella care. These plants are also a common choice for growing indoors in a terrarium.
It is commonly chosen as a ground cover but can be very picky to its outdoor conditions. Selaginella are not a popular choice of plant for growing and unless you are a plant enthusiast you may have never even heard of it. In fact, the care they need and the ecosystem they grow best in is much like that of a fern as well. While they have the appearance and coloring of many mosses they are actually a vascular plant more similar to ferns. Commonly referred to as spike moss, the species of plants known as selaginella are not really moss at all.
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