Selaginella apoda - Meadow spikemoss

The Selaginella apoda, or Meadow Spikemoss, is a prized houseplant for its bright green foliage and delicate texture. Its creeping habit and slow growth make this small variety an ideal choice for terrariums or as a ground cover in shaded corners. It fits perfectly into tropical or zen-style décors, adding a soothing touch of greenery. To help it thrive, maintain constant moisture in its growing medium and avoid direct sunlight.

The Selaginella apoda, commonly known as Meadow Spikemoss or Apodous Spikemoss, belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. Native to North America, particularly the humid regions of the eastern United States and northeastern Mexico, the Selaginella apoda thrives in swampy environments, damp fields, and riverbanks. This perennial plant has a creeping habit and slow growth, typically reaching a height of 2 to 15 cm. Its creeping stems spread horizontally, forming a dense carpet of evergreen foliage. The very small, finely divided and a shiny apple-green leaves give the plant a delicate, attractive moss- or small fern-like appearance. The Selaginella apoda does not produce flowers in the traditional sense; it reproduces via spores located on the underside of its leaves, in similar fashion to ferns.
For indoor cultivation, the Selaginella apoda requires indirect light or partial shade, avoiding direct sunlight that could scorch its delicate foliage. It appreciates high ambient humidity, making it an ideal candidate for terrariums or humid rooms like bathrooms. The ideal temperature ranges between 15 and 24°C; it does not tolerate temperatures below 5°C, making it unsuitable for outdoor cultivation in temperate climates. The growing medium should be rich, moist, and well-draining, and it is essential to keep the soil slightly moist at all times without waterlogging as the plant dislikes both drought and excess moisture.

The Meadow Spikemoss is a gem for plant décor enthusiasts. It will thrive beautifully in a bright bathroom or a cool conservatory. It fits seamlessly into a minimalist or Japanese-inspired style, showcased in a glass terrarium, on a light wood shelf, or in a textured ceramic planter. For a 'miniature garden' effect, pair it with Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) or delicate-patterned Fittonias which share its humidity and soft light requirements.