Also known as Spikemoss · 112 saves
Selaginella
Selaginella, the genus most gardeners know as spikemoss. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Selaginella varieties
Browse all 9 Selaginella varieties →
4 species of Selaginella
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Selaginella in Sow
Save the Selaginella you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Selaginella
Whats common across all Selaginella varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Selaginella year
- PlantMarch, April, May and September89% of varieties
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in a shaded location
- DivideMarch–May78% of varieties
Divide and replant sections to propagate or manage spread
- MulchMarch and April44% of varieties
Apply fine mulch to help retain essential soil moisture
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March44% of varieties
Remove any brown or winter-damaged fronds
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Keep soil moist and well-drained 🌱
- Maintain high humidity levels
- Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch
- Mist regularly to increase humidity
Avoid
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Avoid direct full sun exposure ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization which can cause legginess
What goes wrong with Selaginella
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony spots on leaves | Apply organic insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use neem oil spray |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs and Snails | Irregular holes chewed in the foliage, silvery slime trails. | Use organic baits containing iron phosphate. Create barriers of crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth. Hand-pick them at night. |
| Root rot | Yellowing and wilting | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Brown or black spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing fronds, and mushy, black roots, often from poor drainage. | Prevention is crucial. Ensure soil is well-drained despite being moist. Reduce watering and improve drainage if caught early. No effective cure. |
Making more Selaginella
Spores
- Collect spores from mature fronds in late fall.
- Sprinkle spores onto moist, sterile soil surface.
- Maintain high humidity and indirect light for 6 weeks.
- Keep soil moist and avoid direct sunlight during germination.
Division
- Gently divide clumps in early spring.
- Plant divisions in prepared soil, water thoroughly.
- Keep moist for 4 weeks to establish roots.
Selaginella questions
How many types of Selaginella are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Selaginella varieties. The most popular — ranked by 112 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Selaginella grow in?
Across its varieties, Selaginella covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Selaginella bloom?
Most Selaginella varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, late fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Selaginella should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.