Care of the indoor plant Selaginella apoda or Meadow spikemoss |
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The genus Selaginella, family Selaginellaceae, includes more than 700 species of plants distributed in tropical regions, deserts and mountains around the world. Some species are: Selaginella apoda, Selaginella kraussiana, Selaginella bakeriana, Selaginella denticulata, Selaginella martensii, Selaginella lepidophylla. Common name: Meadow spikemoss. This species is native to Mexico and USA. They are small plants with a mossy appearance and compact bearing that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The stems grow creeping or erect. The foliage is deep green and does not produce flowers. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. It is advisable to grow them in glass containers or in terrariums. In tropical regions they can be used in understory. Selaginella apoda requires exposure to semi-shade or filtered light. Never expose it to direct sun in the hottest hours of the day. The ideal average temperature is 13-18 ºC (55-64 ºF). They resist high temperatures if the ambient humidity is high. The soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants. They do not need transplantation because they are slow-growing plants that live only a few years. Water regularly with lukewarm lime-free water so that the substrate never dries out; they do not withstand drought. It is very important that the humidity is high for which the plants must be regularly sprayed with lime-free water. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. If the humidity is low, they can be attacked by mites and the leaves can curl and turn brown. They are propagated by division and by cuttings in spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Selaginella apoda or Meadow spikemoss |
 Selaginella apoda  Selaginella apoda |