Krauss's Spikemoss - Care Sheet

Overview

Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as Krauss's spikemoss, African clubmoss, or golden spike moss, is a low-growing groundcover plant native to tropical Africa. Despite its moss-like appearance, it is actually related to ferns and features delicate, feathery fronds that form dense, carpet-like mats. This shade-loving plant is prized for its soft texture and vibrant green foliage, making it an excellent choice for terrariums, dish gardens, and shaded indoor spaces. Krauss's spikemoss is ideal for beginners seeking a forgiving, attractive houseplant that thrives in consistently moist, humid environments.

Quick Facts

Light

Krauss's spikemoss is a forest dweller that thrives in partial to full shade with indirect light. Position your plant away from direct sunlight, as its delicate fronds will scorch and brown if exposed to harsh rays. Indoors, place it in a semi-shaded corner or a few feet away from a north-facing window. If grown in a terrarium or enclosed space, bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid placing the plant near south- or west-facing windows where afternoon sun is intense. The plant's small, thin leaves are particularly sensitive to UV exposure, so err on the side of too little light rather than too much.

Water

Water is critical to Krauss's spikemoss success. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—think of a damp sponge rather than a soaking wet one. Check the topsoil regularly; when it begins to feel dry to the touch, soak the pot thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. The plant cannot tolerate drought and will wilt and deteriorate if allowed to dry out completely.

Always use room-temperature, soft water such as distilled water or rainwater. Cold water will shock the plant and cause leaf damage. Lime-free water is preferable if possible. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots, which leads to root rot. Water less frequently during winter months when growth slows, but never allow the soil to become bone-dry.

Humidity

Krauss's spikemoss demands high humidity levels between 50–80% to thrive. The plant's delicate foliage will wither and brown if humidity drops below 50%. To maintain optimal moisture in the air, consider these strategies:

• Mist the plant gently once or twice weekly with tepid, soft water, preferably in the morning to allow foliage to dry before evening
• Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot sits above the waterline
• Run a humidifier nearby, especially in dry climates or during heating season
• Grow the plant in a terrarium, cloche, or glass cabinet to create a naturally humid microclimate

If you maintain typical household humidity and avoid placing the plant near wood-burning fireplaces or dehumidifiers, the plant may tolerate average indoor conditions with consistent watering and occasional misting.

Temperature

Krauss's spikemoss prefers warm, stable temperatures between 18–24°C (65–75°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 4°C (40°F) but will suffer in cold conditions. Avoid placing the plant in drafty locations, near heating vents, or in areas with temperature fluctuations. The plant values stability—sudden shifts in temperature, light, humidity, or moisture can cause leaf browning and stress. Maintain consistent environmental conditions for best results, and keep the plant away from cold windows during winter months.

Soil & Potting

Krauss's spikemoss thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Use a standard houseplant potting mix containing peat moss or coconut coir, optionally blended with perlite or sand to improve drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0.

Because this plant has a shallow, fibrous root system, shallow pots are suitable and even preferable. Always use containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. When setting up a terrarium, place a layer of stones at the bottom, optionally adding activated charcoal to control fungi in the closed environment. Add soil to a depth appropriate for your plant's root ball—typically 2–4 inches for young plants.

Feeding

Krauss's spikemoss is not a heavy feeder. During the growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength once monthly or every 4–6 weeks. Some sources recommend feeding only twice yearly during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can harm or kill the plant. Underfeeding is far less problematic than overfeeding.

If your potting mix is nutrient-rich, you may not need to fertilize immediately after planting. Do not fertilize newly planted divisions or cuttings, as this can shock the roots. During winter, reduce or eliminate feeding as growth slows significantly. Every 1–2 years, gently rinse accumulated fertilizer salts from the pot or replace the soil with a fresh mixture.

Repotting

Repot Krauss's spikemoss every 1–2 years or when the soil has become depleted of nutrients. Spring is the ideal time to repot. Because the plant has shallow roots, select a shallow pot with drainage holes rather than a deep container. When dividing or repotting, handle the delicate root system gently to avoid damage.

After repotting, water lightly to settle the soil and remove air pockets, then maintain consistent moisture. If the plant is thriving in its current pot and soil nutrients remain adequate, repotting can be delayed. In terrarium settings, replace the soil with a fresh mixture every 1–2 years to maintain optimal growing conditions.

Propagation

Krauss's spikemoss can be propagated easily through two primary methods:

Division

Division is the simplest propagation method. Water the mother plant a day or two before dividing. Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully tease the root ball apart into two or more sections using your fingers, ensuring each section has foliage and roots intact. Replant divisions into pots filled with moist, well-draining potting mix. Water well and care for the new plants as usual. This method produces mature plants quickly.

Stem Cuttings

Select healthy, vigorous stems and cut them into 2–4 inch lengths, ensuring each cutting has several leaves or nodes. Fill a pot or tray with moist, well-draining potting mix (a blend of peat moss and perlite works well). Insert cuttings so that at least one node—preferably more—is buried beneath the soil surface, as nodes are where roots develop. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity, which is essential for root development. Ventilate occasionally to prevent mold. Keep cuttings in bright, indirect light and ensure soil remains moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks. Once rooted, remove the plastic covering and gradually acclimate the new plants to less humid conditions.

Spore Propagation

Advanced growers may collect spores from mature plants and sow them on