The selaginella genus is a large one and includes several plants which are popular indoors for their pretty foliage. They are evergreen, moss like plants, which spread by means of rhizomes and need constantly warm humidity to thrive, so are ideal for a bottle garden or terrarium. Some grow as low, moss like, spreading mounds, others are more upright. The tips of the leaves bear spores, although selaginella is not classified as a fern
S. kraussiana originates from South Africa and is known as spreading clubmoss or trailing spike moss. It has masses of trailing, bright green foliage and spreads quite quickly, rooting as it goes. S.k. ‘Aurea’ has bright golden-green foliage and S.k. ‘Variegata’ has bright green foliage splashed with ivory white or pale yellow.
S. martensii, from Mexico, is called little club moss or spike moss. It has upright, branching- stems bearing tiny, bright green leaves. Stiff aerial roots grow down from the lower part of the stems to the soil, helping to support the weight of the upper part. S. m. ‘Albolineata’ has some leaves that are wholly or partially white and S. m. ‘Watsoniaria’ has silver-tipped leaves.
Size: Height 1 ft. (30 cm).
Light: Partial shade.
Temperature: Normal room.
Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist at all times.
Feeding: Give half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month all year round.
Propagation: Take 2 in. (5 cm) tip cuttings in spring.
Special needs: The foliage is particularly delicate and should never be allowed to dry out or it will turn brown. Touch it as little as possible’ and only mist with warm water; cold water will damage it.