Selaginella kraussiana terrarium care
Selaginella kraussiana, often sold as African clubmoss or Krauss's clubmoss, forms a low fern-like mat. Its preference for filtered light and steady moisture makes it well suited to humid terrariums and bottle gardens.
Light and position
Use bright, filtered light or partial shade. Avoid direct sun through terrarium glass, which can overheat the container and scorch foliage surprisingly quickly.
Moisture and humidity
Keep the growing medium moist but not waterlogged. A closed terrarium normally recycles water, so add very little at a time. If the glass is heavily misted all day or water pools in the base, open the lid temporarily and let some moisture escape.
Planting
Use a light, moisture-retentive but aerated terrarium substrate. Plant the plug at the same depth it was growing before. Leave room around it: rooted stems can spread and create a mat.
Temperature
Protect the plant from frost and cold draughts. Normal warm indoor conditions are suitable, but keep the vessel away from radiators and windows that become very hot in direct sun.
Pruning and propagation
Trim spreading stems with clean scissors to maintain scale and airflow. Rooted sections can be divided in spring and replanted into moist substrate.
Troubleshooting
- Dry, crisp tips: check humidity, root moisture and hot direct sun.
- Yellow or collapsing growth: check for stagnant, saturated substrate and poor airflow.
- Excessive condensation: ventilate briefly and stop adding water until the balance returns.
See Selaginella and other terrarium plants or build a rainforest terrarium.