Understanding Spikemoss: A Comprehensive Guide (Including Varieties to Identify)
Ain't Nobody Got Time for That Spikemoss: A Quick Guide to Selaginella for Terrarium Enthusiasts, Hobbyists, and Plant Parents
Alright, listen up plant people! If you thought spikemoss was just another bonkers-sounding herbal remedy, think again. The wild and wacky world of Selaginella is filled with miniature masterpieces that'll make your terrariums and homes pop!
But hold up, this genus has got a whole identity crisis goin' on. Is it a moss, is it a fern? Nah, it's just temping fate by being a little bit of both! Don't worry, though - we're about to clear up all that confusion and introduce you to some top-tier Selaginella varieties.
Who Let the Spikies Out? Selaginella Characteristics and Classification
You can probably guess from its whacky classification that Selaginella ain't like other plants out there. It may be a bit of a jumble in the botanical world, but don't worry - once you get to know 'em, you'll be better equipped to grow 'em!
While they can vary in size and shape, some characteristics common across almost all Selaginella species include creeping or mat-forming growth (like a moss), branching stems with small, scaly leaves, and the ability to produce spores!
Top Selaginella Varieties for Your Terrarium Oasis
Wanna know the best part about these Terrarium Terrors? They fucking love moisture and humidity! Found in tropical regions, these little guys thrive in closed terrariums but can also be found moving into the hallowed halls of home plant parentingland. Check out these kickass Selaginella for your microcosmic masterpieces:
Just a hop, skip and a jump from your local pet store, this little dude is the most well-known species and a fan-favorite in the terrarium community. Easy to grow, boasting a lush mossy appearance, it's a go-to ground cover choice for tropical terrariums. Its unpredictable growth pattern gives your projects that wild element we all crave.
Too good to be true? Not if you can keep up with the watering! And remember, houseplants are for those not afraid to indulge in a beverage or two (or four) to keep their spikies thriving.
👉 Grab some 'Kraussiana' on Etsy.
Iridescent heaven, y'all! This showy bitch has a vining nature and tends to form a dense mat as it weaves around. You can grow it in pots for a drainage-required treat, but it truly thrives in the increased humidity of a terrarium.
💛 Pick up 'Uncinata' on Etsy.
Calm down, divas - Martens's Spike Moss is the true low-light terrarium plant. It grows upright with broad overlapping leaves, closely resembling a fern. The Jori variety is also known as 'Frosty' for its cool tips, but don't let that fool you - it's still one you'll need to hold in a tropical environment.
👉 Grab your 'Martensii' on Etsy.
FInally, a Selaginella that holds up under the scrutiny of a critical eye! Simliar to S. martensii, it has a more feather-like shape and exhibits a little more separation between branches. It's perfect for areas of a terrarium that are begging for a compact fern but can't quite fit 'em in.
👉 Get your 'Emmeliana' on Etsy.
This one's a classic. If you're after a traditional fern feel, Selaginella braunii is the perfect choice. It can grow quite large, making it ideal for larger terrariums.
Personally, I find it resembles a Rabbit's Foot Fern, with its arrow-shaped "fronds."
👉 Whup up some 'Braunii' on Etsy.
You wanna see ‘em ressurrected? Mutherfuckers, this shit is made for the desert! Famously known as The Resurrection Plant, Selaginella lepidophylla can survive for incredible amounts of time without water.
When it's bone dry, it curls up and dries into a ball of fibers, but just give it a few sips of water, and it's back for round 2 like nothing ever happened.
👉 Live it up with the 'Lepidophylla' on Etsy.
Other Selaginella You Might Like
Here are some other Selaginella varieties worth checking out (although they might be a tad harder to come by):
- Selaginella plana
- Selaginella apoda
- Selaginella willdenowii
- Selaginella picta
- Selaginella mollis
- Selaginella erythropus
- Selaginella peruviana
- Selaginella serpens
- Selaginella pallescens
- Selaginella griffithii
You can never have too many Selaginella, right?!
Selaginella Care Guide: Let’s Fert Up, Water Wise, and Propagate Properly
So you've got yourself a few Selaginella species to play with. Listen closely, cause this next part is gonna make or break ya!
Light
Remember, these little suckers are used to growing on forest floors, so they dig light in the shade. You'll find them thriving under indirect light, so be gentle with 'em and don't subject 'em to the blazing inferno of harsh, direct light.
Water and Humidity
Okay, here's the deal - Selaginella are fickle as hell when it comes to moisture. While they don't expect you to keep 'em submerged, constant doom and dryness is a no-no. A closed terrarium tends to be the perfect environment, but ya gotta make sure that moisture is consistent and steady.
Substrate
Like a fern, Selaginella gotta have a substrate that can hold a nice supply of moisture but also has good drainage. Check out our terrarium substrate guide or our signature substrate mix for the low-down on what's gonna keep the little buggers happy.
Propagation
When it comes to propagation, Selaginella outright ignore those mossy motherfuckers and opt for the fern touch. Split 'em up, cut 'em off, but whatever you do, don’t get it twisted, propagation is not that hard! Stick the split-ups in some moist soil, and they should be good to go. And hey, if all else fails, you can always revive the dead ones by watering them - just like The Resurrection Plant!
So there ya have it, plant posers! Selaginella ain't for the faint-hearted, but with the right care, you'll be living the high life in no time. Get these divas in your terrariums and watch your creations flourish like an oasis of untamed, otherworldly beauty.
Hit us up in the comments and let us know which Selaginella you've added to your project or home. And if we missed something, don't be modest - let us know!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission for improvements on your terrarium life, but your bank account remains intact. 💚💖
- Selaginella plants, popular for terrarium enthusiasts, also thrive in home environments as houseplants, bringing a touch of the exotic to your living spaces.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, one might find Selaginella kraussiana, the most well-known species, serving as a unique and trendy addition to jewelry designs.
- The food-and-drink scene can benefit from these plants' humidity-loving nature, as maintaining the right moisture levels for Selaginella can be likened to the care of certain tropical fruits and drinks.
- For those passionate about home-and-garden projects, Selaginella's versatility extends beyond terrariums, as some species can add a striking element to indoor and outdoor landscaping.
- When it comes to relationships, understanding the unique needs of Selaginella can be equated to nurturing a connection - both require patience, attention, and the right environment to thrive.
- In terms of career-development and education-and-self-development, learning about Selaginella can serve as a metaphor for growth and adaptability, as these plants skillfully navigate their positions in various habitats and inspire awe in those who care for them.
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