This adorable moss is great for greening up terrariums, though it can be grown in a pot too. Its bright green, densely packed foliage is reminiscent of storybook-perfect meadows. Bring this moss with its adorable tiny leaves into your home or miniature ecosystem and it will reward your care with its lovely, bright foliage and picture-perfect charm.
Scientific Name
Selaginella apoda (clubmoss with no feet)
Common Name
Meadow Spikemoss, Rainbow Moss, Wire Fern
Origin
Native to eastern areas of the USA, and northeastern Mexico.
Light
Keep out of direct sunlight; this plant can deal with a shadier spot, and loves bright, indirect light.
Water
Make sure you keep the soil moist but not soggy; water when the top layer of soil dries.
Humidity
This plant loves high humidity, hence its suitability as a terrarium plant. When keeping as a houseplant, make sure you keep it somewhere with high humidity levels; it will benefit from the introduction of a humidity tray and should not be kept near a radiator which will dry it out too quickly.
Soil
In a terrarium, ensure you have well-draining soil which will suit the closed ecosystem. In a pot, use a moisture retentive soil; something designed for ferns should work well here. Repot when the plant crowds the pot too much; in a terrarium, keep it trimmed to fit in the enclosed space.
Food
This plant grows well without a fertiliser; fresh soil or a repot once a year will give it enough nutrition.
Temperature
Average temperatures of 18-30°C are fine; make sure it doesn't get colder than 15°C in winter.
Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips
The key to caring for this plant is maintaining high humidity. A terrarium or enclosed area will help with this. Ensure that its soil remains evenly moist, especially when not grown in a terrarium, where it will dry out much quicker.
