Moellendorff's spikemoss
Selaginella moellendorffii
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
High humidity, keep soil moist
Humidity
High humidity required
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Selaginella moellendorffii is a native ground cover often used in shaded areas and can tolerate moist conditions. This plant exhibits a unique iridescent quality on its leaves, adding visual interest to shaded landscapes.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or cuttings into moist soil surface.
- Maintain consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks.
- Mist regularly to keep humidity high.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
- Transplant when seedlings are established, after 4 weeks.
- Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture.
Pro Tip
Keep humidity high and avoid direct sunlight for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Mist frequently to maintain humidity 🌱
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Place in indirect light
Don't
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Expose to direct sunlight ❌
- Overfertilize which can harm delicate spores
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Moellendorff's spikemoss questions
What zones can Moellendorff's spikemoss grow in?
Moellendorff's spikemoss is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Moellendorff's spikemoss deer resistant?
Yes — Moellendorff's spikemoss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Moellendorff's spikemoss need full sun?
Moellendorff's spikemoss does best in part shade.
More Selaginella to compare
Northern Spikemoss
Selaginella borealis
Golden Selaginella
Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea'
Rock Spikemoss
Selaginella rupestris 'Bald Knob'
Rainbow Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata 'RainbowPeacock Moss'
Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata
Meadow Spikemoss
Selaginella apoda
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.