Selaginella kraussiana

Selaginella kraussiana, commonly known as Krauss's spikemoss, is a species of vascular plant in the family Selaginellaceae. It is a creeping, evergreen perennial that is widely appreciated in horticulture for its dense, moss-like foliage, which creates a lush green carpet in moist, shaded environments.

The plant is native to the Azores, Canary Islands, and much of mainland Africa, where it thrives in humid, forest understory conditions. Because of its tropical origin, it is highly sensitive to dry air and direct sunlight, making it a popular choice for terrariums, conservatories, and humid greenhouse environments.

Botanically, Selaginella kraussiana is a lycophyte, representing an ancient lineage of vascular plants. It features small, scale-like leaves arranged along delicate, branched stems. The plant spreads via surface-rooting stems and produces spores in specialized structures called strobili, though vegetative propagation is the most common method of commercial reproduction.

The agronomic requirements for this crop focus heavily on moisture management. It requires a consistently moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic substrate. Ideally, the ambient humidity should remain above 60%. It is strictly a shade-tolerant plant; direct exposure to sun will rapidly bleach the foliage and cause severe tissue dehydration.

In terms of health management, the most frequent issues are fungal root rots caused by waterlogged, anaerobic soil conditions. Common pests that affect the plant include spider mites and scale insects, which are particularly prevalent in lower-humidity environments. Maintaining proper airflow while keeping high humidity is the key to preventing most physiological and pest-related disorders in this plant.