Selaginella Kraussiana – African Club Moss

Selaginella kraussiana is a beautiful, fast-spreading tropical spikemoss, fern-like foliage and dense carpet-forming growth. Native to Sub-Saharan Africa and Macaronesia, this ancient plant belongs to one of the oldest plant lineages on Earth. Its vibrant green foliage and moisture-loving nature make it a popular choice for terrariums, paludariums, vivariums, and tropical plant collections.

Selaginella Kraussiana Plant Profile

This low-growing species forms lush mats that spread across the substrate, creating a natural forest-floor appearance. It thrives in warm, humid environments and is highly valued as a ground cover plant.

Scientific Name: Selaginella kraussiana

Common Names: Krauss's Spikemoss, African Club Moss

Family: Selaginellaceae

Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa and Macaronesia

Growth Habit: Creeping and mat-forming

Height: 5–15 cm

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Appearance and Growth

Selaginella kraussiana produces delicate branching stems covered with tiny scale-like leaves. As it grows, it forms a dense carpet of soft green foliage that closely resembles moss but is actually a primitive vascular plant.

Its spreading growth habit makes it ideal for covering soil surfaces, hardscape edges, and terrarium backgrounds.

Ideal for Terrariums and Paludariums

This species is highly regarded among terrarium enthusiasts due to its love of humidity and compact growth.

Terrarium Benefits

Creates a lush green carpet effect

Excellent foreground and ground cover plant

Thrives in enclosed, high-humidity environments

Complements mosses, ferns, and tropical plants

Suitable for bioactive terrariums and vivariums

Paludarium Use

Selaginella kraussiana performs exceptionally well in moist terrestrial zones and along water margins where humidity remains consistently high. It should not be kept fully submerged.

Care Requirements

Lighting

Bright indirect light

Partial shade to full shade

Avoid strong direct sunlight

Watering

Keep the substrate consistently moist at all times. The plant does not tolerate prolonged drying and may decline quickly if allowed to dry out completely.

Humidity

High humidity is essential for healthy growth.

Preferred Humidity: 75–100%

Excellent for closed terrariu

Benefits from regular moisture and airflmsow

Temperature

Ideal Range: 18–28°C

Protect from temperatures below 12°C

Prefers stable tropical conditions

Substrate Requirements

Selaginella kraussiana grows best in moisture-retentive but well-draining substrates.

Suitable mixes include:

Sphagnum moss

Coco peat

Leaf litter

Fine orchid bark

Perlite

The substrate should remain moist without becoming waterlogged.

Growth and Maintenance

This plant spreads naturally through creeping stems that root as they grow. Occasional trimming helps maintain a neat appearance and prevents it from overtaking slower-growing plants.

Propagation is simple and can be achieved by dividing established mats or rooting stem sections in moist substrate.

Why Choose Selaginella Kraussiana?

Attractive moss-like appearance

Excellent terrarium and paludarium ground cover

Fast-spreading and easy to propagate

Thrives in humid tropical environments

Creates a natural forest-floor effect

Perfect for bioactive and tropical setups

Selaginella kraussiana is an outstanding choice for hobbyists seeking a vibrant, moisture-loving ground cover that adds texture, depth, and a lush rainforest appearance to terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums.