Care of the indoor plant Selaginella kraussiana or African clubmoss |
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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 kraussiana, Selaginella apoda, Selaginella bakeriana, Selaginella denticulata,Selaginella martensii, Selaginella lepidophylla. Common names: African clubmoss, Mat spikemoss, Krauss's clubmoss, Krauss's spikemoss. This species is native to Africa and Azores. They are fast-growing evergreen plants with the appearance of small compact ferns that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height and 40 cm (15.74") in diameter. The stems are thin and covered with small green and golden leaves. They do not produce flowers. African clubmoss is used as indoor and greenhouse plants. It's ideal for terrariums and mini gardens in glass containers. In tropical regions it can be grown in the shade under trees and shrubs. Selaginella kraussiana requires shade or semi-shade exposure. It never resists direct sun. The winter safety temperature is 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants with a little peat. Transplant in spring. Water frequently with lukewarm lime-free water so that the substrate never dries out completely (never puddle). Mat spikemoss does not resist drought. It's very important that the humidity is high: place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot (in summer) and spray the leaves frequently with warm water without lime. Selaginella kraussiana does not need fertilizer. Prune lightly in spring to maintain a compact demeanor. The leaves curl and turn brown or are attacked by mites if the humidity is low. Krauss's clubmoss is propagated by division and by cuttings in spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Selaginella kraussiana or African clubmoss |
 Selaginella kraussiana  Selaginella kraussiana  Selaginella kraussiana |