Selaginella plana – Indoor Plants

Selaginella plana (Asian Spikemoss) is a herbaceous, perennial erect shrub that grows up to 20-60 cm tall. It is spread by underground creeping rhizomes. The leaves are in different shades of green, scaly, coarse, and tripinnate. The stems are long, wiry, and branching, presenting a cushioned appearance to the plant. It has distinct male and female spores known as microspores and megaspores respectively. The spores are produced on leaves in enclosures called sporangia. In traditional use, the branches and leaves of Selaginella plana are used to treat a headache and facial stroke when putting under a pillow of the patient to sleep on at night. It is great for growing as in a small pot or hanging basket or terrarium design.

Scientific classification:

Family: Selaginellaceae
Genus: Selaginella
Species: S. plana
Scientific Name: Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Hieron
Common Name: Asian Spikemoss, Cyperus Clubmoss, Paka Merak, Spikemoss.

How to grow and maintain Selaginella plana (Asian Spikemoss):

Light:
It thrives best in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight.

Soil:
It grows best in a well-drained, peat moss-based potting mix with perlite.

Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but never allow your plant to sit in water.

Temperature:
It prefers an average room temperature of 65°F – 75°F / 18°C – 24°C. Selaginella doesn’t like it too cold or too hot, especially drafts. Keep this plant away from doorways and air vents.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize once a month during spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Pruning:
Prune it back in spring to keep this spreading plant under control. You can prune up to half of the plant if you need it.

Propagation:
Selaginella plana can be easily propagated by division, stem cuttings, or by spores. Take stem tip cuttings in spring or summer. Simply give the stems contact with the soil and they will take root as they grow, forming a spreading mat.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Sometimes attacked by Mealy Bugs and spider mites.