Selaginella Moellendorffii
Plant Profile
Selaginella moellendorffii is a terrestrial lycophyte that forms an upright, bushy thicket of bright green, branching fronds, creating immediate structural depth across the floor of the scape. Tucked into shaded pockets between dark lava rock or anchored around driftwood bases, its fine fan-like texture softens rigid hardscape lines. Unlike thinner-leaved relatives that wilt at the slightest dip in moisture, this species carries a thicker, waxier cuticle that gives it added resilience against temporary humidity fluctuations.
Key Features & Notes
- Branching, fan-shaped bright green fronds create a dense, bushy understory mound.
- Thick, waxy cuticle offers greater resilience than thinner-leaved spikemoss species.
- Versatile terrestrial groundcover that knits cleanly across humid terrariums and paludariums.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Set the rooted clump into a few inches of moist, well-aerated tropical soil mix containing coco coir, tree fern fiber, and perlite so the rootlets have ample room to establish.
- Provide low to medium indirect lighting; direct light will scorch the branching fronds, while deep shadow can cause thin, leggy stems.
- Maintain humidity above 70% and keep the substrate damp, but make sure the container has adequate drainage because waterlogged, stagnant mud leads to yellowing foliage.
- Trim back wandering tips or leggy growth using clean shears to direct growth into a compact, bushy shape.
- Selaginella moellendorffii are terrestrial plants, and being submerged will result in the death of the plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Selaginella moellendorffii |
| Common Name(s) | Moellendorff's Spikemoss, Club Moss |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial Primitive Lycophyte / Bushy Spikemoss |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium Indirect Light (Partial Shade) |
| Submersion Suitability | Emersed Only (Not for full submersion) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground, Midground Understory, Hardscape Base Crevices |
| Height / Size | 3"–10" (7.5–25 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Humidity Requirement | High (> 70% RH) |
| Propagation Method | Division / Stem Cuttings |
| Origin | Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Selaginella moellendorffii survive underwater in an aquarium?
No. Selaginella moellendorffii is an obligate land plant. Submerging it in an aquarium will prevent respiration, causing the stems and foliage to melt away within days.
2. Why are the lower fronds on my spikemoss turning yellow?
Yellowing lower fronds are a common sign of overwatering and waterlogged substrate. Ensure excess water drains cleanly away from the roots so the soil stays damp rather than muddy.
3. How do you propagate Selaginella moellendorffii?
Divide an established clump into smaller sections with intact roots, or snip mature branching stems and press the lower portions into moist sphagnum moss inside an enclosed, humid container until new roots develop.