Selaginella martensii grow and care – plant of the genus Selaginella also known as Spikemoss, Selaginella martensii perennial evergreen or deciduous used as ornamental plant for the leaves can grow in tropic or subtropics climate, in mediterranean need to add moisture and water in the summer and growing in hardiness zone 11+ but with the right care in hardiness zone 10b.
Selaginella martensii leaves
Leaves color green possible with yellow tips (frosty) structure of the leaf shredded shape, and prominent vain, in the base of the leaves grow roots, there are no flowers.
Selaginella martensii for sale – Seeds or Plants to Buy
How to grow Selaginella martensii growing and care:
Better to grow above 15C (59F), can also grow more than 7C (45F), high humidity, moist soil, rich soil, organic matter
What is the best way to start growing? Plant / Vegetative Reproduction – in base of the leaves grow roots, two options, the first to cut and put the leaf with root in water and switch every few days, second to put it direct in the soil, soil need to put rich soil better peat soil and keep the soil moist and don’t let it dry but take care of the drainage, better instead to cut directly to plant the roots of the leaves when it connected to the mother plant, than possible to ensure that the plants grow roots and it is faster, cut the leaf connection from the mother plant after the plant establish.
Is it necessary to use vegetative reproduction? Yes, to start from spore it’s hard
Difficulties or problems when growing: Invasive (in specific condition)
Planting season: Spring to summer in hardiness zone of 10b, but better not in hot summer days / spring to autumn in hardiness zone of 11, all the year in hardiness zone 12+.
Pests and diseases: Mealy bugs, white fly, spider mites
Pruning season: All year
How to prune: Just for design and dead leaves
Size of the plant? 5-15 cm, 2-6 inches
Growth speed in optimal condition: Fast growing / Medium growing
Water requirement: Average amount of water / Big amount of water
Light conditions in optimal condition for growing: Full Shade
Is it possible to grow indoor as houseplant? Yes, need to take care of humidity indoor
Growing is also possible in a planter /flowerpot / containers: Yes, when grow in pot need to choose 40-50% bigger pot than the root ball also change the pot every few year or when the roots fill the pot, when the pot arrive to the desirable size need every few years to switch the soil and cut some roots and leaves, soil should be: rich soil with organic matter possible to use potting soil or peat soil and perlite, watering regular don’t let it dry too much, put small amount of fertilizer 3-4 year and add humus and mulch.
