Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea', commonly known as Golden Clubmoss, Spikemoss, or Trailing Spikemoss. While it is called a "clubmoss," it is not a true moss, but a vascular plant related to ferns.

What Makes Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' So Special?

'Aurea' stands out because of its vibrant, golden-yellow to chartreuse foliage that forms a dense, low-growing, spreading mat. This bright color provides a striking contrast in shady areas, where it thrives. The delicate, almost scale-like leaves and the plant's spreading habit create a beautiful, textural groundcover. It is also prized for its ability to thrive in humid, low-light conditions, making it ideal for terrariums, vivariums, and moist, shaded garden spots. It offers a prehistoric look, adding an unusual element to the landscape.

Description

• Foliage: The main attraction. The leaves are small, scale-like, and arranged spirally along the stems. In 'Aurea', the foliage is a bright golden-yellow to chartreuse, especially on new growth. The color can be more greenish-yellow in deeper shade.
• Growth Habit: Forms a low-growing, spreading mat. It creeps along the ground, rooting at the nodes (where the leaves attach to the stem). It typically reaches only a few inches in height but can spread indefinitely.
• Stems: Delicate, branching stems that are often reddish or brownish.
• "Flowers": Selaginella does not produce flowers. It reproduces via spores, like ferns. The spore-bearing structures (strobili) are small and inconspicuous, often found at the tips of the stems.

Details

• Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA zones 7-10 (some sources say 6-10). It is not frost-hardy and will be damaged by freezing temperatures.
• Light: Prefers shade to partial shade. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the foliage. Bright, indirect light will promote the best golden color.
• Moisture: Requires consistently moist to wet soil. It will not tolerate drought. High humidity is also beneficial.
• Soil: Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost is ideal.
• Deer Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant.
• Air Purifier: While not as effective as some other plants, it does contribute to indoor air purification.

Native Habitat

Selaginella kraussiana is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly South Africa and the Azores. 'Aurea' is a cultivar selected for its golden foliage. In its natural habitat, it grows in moist, shaded forests, often near streams or waterfalls.

Landscaping Design Tips

• Groundcover: Excellent as a groundcover in shady, moist areas of the garden, such as under trees or shrubs, or along shaded pathways.
• Terrariums and Vivariums: A popular choice for terrariums and vivariums due to their love of humidity and low light.
• Fairy Gardens: Its small size and delicate texture make it a great addition to fairy gardens.
• Containers: Can be grown in containers, either alone or as a "spiller" plant, cascading over the edges.
• Hanging Baskets: Suitable for hanging baskets in shaded locations.
• Accent Plant: Use its bright color to contrast with darker green foliage plants.
• Companion Plants:
• Ferns
• Hostas
• Mosses
• Impatiens
• Begonia
• Fittonia (Nerve Plant) - good for terrariums
• Pilea - good for terrariums

Planting and Care

• Planting: Plant in spring or early summer. Space plants 6-12 inches apart, or closer for faster coverage.
• Watering: Water frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the foliage regularly to increase humidity, especially in dry indoor environments.
• Humidity: High humidity is crucial. If growing indoors, consider using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the delicate roots.
• Pruning: Prune as needed to control spread or remove any dead or damaged stems. Pinching back the tips of the stems can encourage bushier growth.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease-resistant. Root rot can be a problem if the soil is kept too wet. Mealybugs and scale insects may occasionally infest the plant; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Winter Care: In colder climates (below zone 7), Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' must be grown as a houseplant or overwintered indoors.
• Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Lycopodiophyta (Clubmosses and Spikemosses)
• Class: Lycopodiopsida
• Order: Selaginellales
• Family: Selaginellaceae
• Genus: Selaginella
• Species: kraussiana
• Cultivar: 'Aurea'

Morphology

• Roots: Shallow, fibrous roots.
• Stems: Creeping, branching stems that root at the nodes.
• Leaves: Small, scale-like, arranged spirally around the stems.
• Strobili: Cone-like structures that bear spores (the reproductive units).

Popular Varieties

• Selaginella kraussiana 'Brownii' (Frosty Fern): Although often called "Frosty Fern," this is another Selaginella kraussiana cultivar. It has green foliage with white tips, giving it a frosted appearance.
• Selaginella kraussiana 'Variegata': Green with white variegation.
• Selaginella uncinata (Peacock Fern/Rainbow Moss): Blue-green irredescent foliage.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Propagation: Easily propagated by division or stem cuttings. Simply separate a portion of the plant with roots attached or take stem cuttings and place them in moist soil or water until roots develop.
• Not a True Moss: It is important to remember that Selaginella is not a true moss, despite its common name. It is a vascular plant, meaning it has specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients. True mosses are non-vascular.
• Dormancy: May experience a period of dormancy or slower growth in winter.
• Sensitive to Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers) near the plant.

In conclusion, Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' is a beautiful and unique plant that adds a touch of golden brightness and delicate texture to shady, moist environments. Its low-maintenance nature and adaptability to both indoor and outdoor settings make it a popular choice for gardeners and terrarium enthusiasts alike. Its distinctive appearance and ease of propagation contribute to its enduring appeal.