How to Care for Selaginella: Complete Growing Guide

Quick Care Summary

To care for Selaginella, provide it with bright, indirect light, and maintain a consistent temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Water your Selaginella every 7-10 days during the summer and every 14 days during the winter, making sure not to overwater. With its forgiving nature and ability to thrive in medium humidity, Selaginella is an excellent choice for beginners. A 1989 NASA Clean Air Study found Selaginella effective at reducing formaldehyde in enclosed spaces, making it a great addition to any indoor space.

Overview

Selaginella uncinata, commonly known as Spike Moss, is a tropical plant native to the mountainous regions of Central and South America. In its natural habitat, Selaginella grows on rocks, trees, and other surfaces, forming dense mats of moss-like foliage. This unique plant has gained popularity as a houseplant due to its low-maintenance requirements and striking appearance. The deep green, spike-like foliage of Selaginella adds a touch of exotic beauty to any room, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.

Selaginella is a relatively small plant, typically growing up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in height and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in width. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an ideal choice for small spaces, such as apartments or offices. With proper care, Selaginella can thrive in indoor conditions, providing a beautiful and air-purifying addition to any room.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Selaginella is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
• It is an excellent air-purifying plant, making it a great choice for indoor spaces.
• Selaginella is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners.
• It is a relatively small plant, making it ideal for small spaces.
• Selaginella is a slow-growing plant, requiring less frequent pruning and maintenance.

Cons:

• Selaginella requires high humidity to thrive, which can be challenging to maintain in dry indoor environments.
• It is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
• Selaginella can be prone to pest infestations, such as spider mites and mealybugs.
• It may not be the best choice for beginners who tend to forget to water their plants, as it requires consistent moisture.

Care at a Glance

Factor	Requirement	Pro Tip
Light	200-400 foot-candles	Place Selaginella 3-5 feet away from an east- or west-facing window to provide bright, indirect light.
Water	every 7-10 days	Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water.
Humidity	50-70%	Use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to maintain a humid microclimate.
Temperature	65-80°F (18-27°C)	Avoid placing Selaginella near heating vents or cold windows, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress.
Soil	60% potting mix + 30% perlite + 10% orchid bark	Use a well-draining potting mix and repot Selaginella every 2-3 years to maintain soil quality.
Fertilizer	Balanced 10-10-10, monthly spring-summer	Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Toxicity	non-toxic to cats and dogs	According to the ASPCA, Selaginella is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners.

Light: The Importance of Indirect Light for Selaginella

Selaginella requires bright, indirect light to thrive. The ideal foot-candle range for optimal growth is 200-400 foot-candles. Place Selaginella 3-5 feet away from an east- or west-facing window to provide the right amount of light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the leaves to become scorched or discolored. During the winter months, when the sun is lower in the sky, you may need to adjust the plant's position to ensure it receives sufficient light.

Watering: The Delicate Balance of Moisture for Selaginella

Watering Selaginella can be a delicate balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to become dry and brittle. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. Water Selaginella every 7-10 days during the summer and every 14 days during the winter. Use room-temperature water, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

Soil & Repotting: The Right Mix for Selaginella

Selaginella requires a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil. A mix of 60% potting mix, 30% perlite, and 10% orchid bark provides the right balance of moisture and drainage. Repot Selaginella every 2-3 years to maintain soil quality and provide a larger pot if necessary. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, as Selaginella prefers to be slightly root-bound.

Fertilizing

Feed Selaginella with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer during the spring and summer months. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. Apply the fertilizer once a month, and skip fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Humidity and Temperature

Selaginella requires a humid environment to thrive, with an ideal humidity range of 50-70%. Use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to maintain a humid microclimate. Keep the temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C), avoiding sudden fluctuations. Avoid placing Selaginella near heating vents or cold windows, as this can cause stress to the plant.

Toxicity & Safety: A Safe Choice for Pet Owners

According to the ASPCA, Selaginella is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners. However, it's still possible for pets to experience gastrointestinal upset if they ingest a large amount of the plant. Keep Selaginella out of reach of pets and children to avoid any potential problems. If you suspect your pet has ingested Selaginella, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Common Problems

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If the leaves are yellowing due to overwatering, repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Brown Tips

Brown tips on the leaves can be a sign of dry air or low humidity. Increase the humidity around the plant by using a humidifier or placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles.

Spider Mites

Spider mites can infest Selaginella, causing yellowing leaves and fine webbing. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and increase the humidity to prevent further infestations.

Root Rot

Root rot can occur if the soil is waterlogged or the plant is overwatered. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil, and adjust your watering schedule to prevent further problems.

Slow Growth

Slow growth can be a sign of inadequate light or nutrients. Increase the light intensity or fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Problems Diagnosis

Symptom	Most Likely Cause	Quick Fix	Prevention
Yellowing leaves	Overwatering or underwatering	Adjust watering schedule	Check soil moisture regularly
Brown tips	Dry air or low humidity	Increase humidity	Use a humidifier or place on a tray with water and pebbles
Spider mites	Infestation	Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil	Increase humidity and inspect plant regularly
Root rot	Waterlogged soil or overwatering	Repot in fresh, well-draining soil	Adjust watering schedule and inspect roots regularly
Slow growth	Inadequate light or nutrients	Increase light intensity or fertilize	Provide balanced fertilizer and adequate light

Is This Plant Right For You?

Perfect for you if...	Skip this plant if...
You have a humid bathroom or kitchen	You tend to forget to water your plants
You're looking for a low-maintenance plant	You want a plant that flowers indoors
You have a small space with limited light	You prefer a plant with bold, bright colors
You're a beginner looking for a forgiving plant	You have pets that chew on plants

Where to Buy & What to Look For

Selaginella is widely available at local nurseries, online plant retailers, and big box stores. When purchasing a Selaginella, look for a plant with healthy, green foliage and a well-developed root system. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, brown tips, or signs of pest infestation. The price range for Selaginella varies from £5-£20, depending on the size and quality of the plant.

Propagation

To propagate Selaginella, follow these steps:

1. Cut a stem section from the mother plant, making sure it has at least two nodes.
2. Remove lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the top two or three leaves.
3. Plant the stem section in a well-draining potting mix, making sure the node is buried in the soil.
4. Water the soil gently but thoroughly, and provide high humidity and warm temperatures.
5. Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot.

Expert Verdict

As a plant care expert, I highly recommend Selaginella for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. Its low-maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their space. I'd rate Selaginella a 4 out of 5 for beginners, as it's relatively easy to care for and forgiving if you forget to water it from time to time. However, it may not be the best choice for those who tend to overwater their plants or prefer a plant with bold, bright colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my Selaginella? Water your Selaginella every 7-10 days during the summer and every 14 days during the winter, making sure not to overwater.

Is Selaginella toxic to cats and dogs? No, according to the ASPCA, Selaginella is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Why are the leaves on my Selaginella turning yellow? Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Can Selaginella grow in low light? While Selaginella can tolerate low light, it prefers bright, indirect light to thrive. If you're placing it in a low-light area, make sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

How big does Selaginella get indoors? Selaginella is a relatively small plant, typically growing up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in height and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in width.