Selaginella kraussiana

Growing in Pots, Balconies & Indoors

Krauss’s spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana) is a low, spreading, moss-like ground creeper (5-15 cm) that loves shade and moisture. The grower confirms it makes a fine houseplant as long as indoor humidity is kept up – it is ideal for terrariums, shaded pots and as living groundcover under taller container plants.

Quick Details

• Container Size: A pot 40-50% larger than the root ball (per the grower)
• Indoor Suitability: A good houseplant – keep the air humid indoors
• Best Spot: Full shade; bright, indirect light indoors
• Soil & Drainage: Rich, organic mix (potting or peat soil + perlite) with good drainage
• Watering in Pots: Average to big amount – keep evenly moist, never let it dry out too much

Indoors & On the Windowsill

• A true houseplant: The grower confirms it grows indoors; the key is humidity – a terrarium, grouped pots or occasional misting keep it lush.
• Light: It naturally grows in full shade, so bright indirect light indoors suits it well – keep it out of direct sun.
• Moisture: Never let it dry out too much, but ensure the pot drains so it is not waterlogged.

On a Balcony or Patio

• Light, wind & heat: Give it the brightest spot it will tolerate; walls and railings reflect heat and dry pots quickly, so check moisture often and shelter or stake exposed growth.
• Shade & damp: Outdoors it wants a shaded, humid, sheltered spot; it is not a sun-and-wind balcony plant.

Choosing the Pot, Soil & Long-Term Care

• Pot & drainage: A pot about 40-50% larger than the root ball, as the grower advises. Use strong drainage holes and skip a standing-water saucer to avoid root rot. Terracotta breathes and dries faster; glazed or plastic holds moisture longer.
• Potting mix: A rich, organic mix – potting or peat soil with perlite – kept moist but drained.
• Feeding: Only a small amount of fertiliser is needed, and only every few years.
• Repotting: Pot up when the roots fill the container; once at its final size, change the soil and cut back some roots and shoots every few years.

Grower’s Container Tip

• Grower’s potting routine: Choose a pot 40-50% bigger than the root ball and move up when the roots fill it. At its final size, refresh the soil and trim some roots and leaves every few years, feed only lightly every 3-4 years, and top up with humus and mulch to hold moisture.