Selaginella kraussiana – Terrarium Club Moss Groundcover

Selaginella kraussiana forms dense carpets of tiny, fern-like foliage that creep and root along the surface of the soil, creating a soft, mossy look. Common names include African club moss, Krauss’ spikemoss, and golden spike moss (for the ‘Aurea’ forms). It’s excellent for terrariums, vivariums, dish gardens, and as an understory accent around larger tropical plants where consistent moisture and humidity are available.

Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light to low/medium light.

• Direct sun will scorch the delicate foliage; shade or filtered light is best, especially in terrarium or cabinet conditions.

Water

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; it does not like to dry out completely.

• Water thoroughly when the surface begins to feel just barely dry, and ensure excess can drain away rather than leaving the plant sitting in water.

Humidity & temperature

• Strongly prefers high humidity, making it ideal for enclosed terrariums, grow bins, or cabinets.

• Typical indoor temperatures in the 60–75°F range work well; avoid cold drafts, extreme heat, and very dry air.

Soil & fertilizer

• Use a rich, fine, well-draining mix that holds moisture—something like a standard houseplant or tropical mix with a bit of added perlite or fine bark.

• Feed lightly with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce feeding in fall/winter.

Growth & maintenance

• Creeps and spreads to form a dense mat; you can trim edges to keep it within bounds or divide sections to replant elsewhere.

• Excellent as a living mulch or groundcover in terrariums and around the base of larger plants where conditions stay humid and evenly moist.

Pet & child safety

• Generally treated similarly to other non-toxic terrarium groundcovers, but as with most plants, it’s best to discourage chewing or ingestion by pets or children.