About Spike Moss
A primitive, moss-like ground cover plant with tiny, overlapping, scale-like leaves arranged in intricate, fern-like patterns on delicate, branching stems. Despite looking like a moss or fern, Selaginella is neither — it belongs to an ancient group of vascular plants called lycophytes. Its dense, carpet-forming habit and jewel-like foliage make it ideal for terrariums, fairy gardens, and shaded ground cover in Filipino gardens. Spike Moss belongs to the Selaginellaceae family and originates from Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; several species are native to the Philippines and can be found on damp, shaded forest floors..
Several Selaginella species grow wild in the Philippines, found on damp forest floors and shaded riverbanks. Filipino terrarium enthusiasts have embraced Selaginella as the perfect living ground cover for glass-enclosed plant displays — a growing hobby in Metro Manila. Selaginella uncinata (Peacock Moss) with its iridescent blue sheen is particularly sought after in Facebook plant groups. Available at terrarium supply shops, Quezon City plant stalls, and online sellers for PHP 50-150. Manila's humidity gives it a natural advantage, making it far easier to grow here than in temperate, dry-air climates.
Also known as: Fern Ally.
Popular Varieties
- Selaginella kraussiana (Trailing Spike Moss — bright green, spreading ground cover)
- Selaginella kraussiana 'Aurea' (golden-green variety)
- Selaginella uncinata (Peacock Spike Moss — iridescent blue-green metallic sheen)
- Selaginella lepidophylla (Resurrection Plant — curls up when dry, unfurls when watered)
How to Plant Spike Moss in the Philippines
Spike Moss can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. The recommended method is stem cuttings placed on moist substrate.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 5-8 cm sections of healthy stems with intact leaf coverage.
- Step 2: Lay the cuttings flat on the surface of moist sphagnum moss, coco peat, or fine potting mix.
- Step 3: Press gently into the surface but do not bury — they root from contact points along the stem.
- Step 4: Cover with clear plastic or a glass dome to maintain high humidity.
- Step 5: Keep warm, moist, and in shade — new growth and rooting occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Low to medium indirect light; deep shade preferred. Direct sun will dry out and kill this moisture-loving plant quickly.. Position your spike moss where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep constantly moist — never allow to dry out. Water daily or every other day with a fine mist or gentle pour. Selaginella thrives in the same conditions as moss — think 'permanently damp.' Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-30°C (comfortable in Manila's warmth; avoid temperatures above 35°C which dry it out quickly). Very high — 70-100%. The single most important care factor. Ideal for terrariums and enclosed environments. In open-air settings, mist multiple times daily. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing spike moss outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Very light feeding — diluted liquid fertilizer at quarter strength once a month during the growing season. Over-fertilizing burns the tiny leaves.
Pruning
Trim back overgrown areas with clean scissors to maintain shape and density. Trimmed pieces can be used as cuttings for propagation.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for terrariums, fairy gardens, and homes with children and animals.
Common Problems & Solutions
Crispy, brown, dried-out foliage
Cause: Insufficient humidity or allowed to dry out
Solution: Revive by soaking in water and keeping enclosed (terrarium or plastic bag) for a few days. Prevent by never letting it dry out.
Leggy, sparse growth
Cause: Too much light causing elongated stems
Solution: Move to a shadier location. Trim leggy growth and allow to fill in densely.
Gray or silver curling (in Selaginella lepidophylla — Resurrection Plant)
Cause: Normal dormancy response to dryness
Solution: Soak in water — the plant will unfurl and green up within hours. This is a survival mechanism, not a problem.
Yellowing and rot at the base
Cause: Waterlogged soil with no air circulation
Solution: Maintain moisture but ensure some airflow. Use well-draining substrate — sphagnum moss and perlite mix works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Spike Moss in the Philippines?
Spike Moss needs low to medium indirect light; deep shade preferred. direct sun will dry out and kill this moisture-loving plant quickly.. Water keep constantly moist — never allow to dry out. water daily or every other day with a fine mist or gentle pour. selaginella thrives in the same conditions as moss — think 'permanently damp.'. Feed with very light feeding — diluted liquid fertilizer at quarter strength once a month during the growing season. over-fertilizing burns the tiny leaves.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-30°C (comfortable in Manila's warmth; avoid temperatures above 35°C which dry it out quickly) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Spike Moss?
The recommended method is stem cuttings placed on moist substrate. Cut 5-8 cm sections of healthy stems with intact leaf coverage. Lay the cuttings flat on the surface of moist sphagnum moss, coco peat, or fine potting mix.
Is Spike Moss toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for terrariums, fairy gardens, and homes with children and animals.
Can Spike Moss grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Spike Moss grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Spike Moss?
Common issues include: Crispy, brown, dried-out foliage (caused by insufficient humidity or allowed to dry out — revive by soaking in water and keeping enclosed (terrarium or plastic bag) for a few days. prevent by never letting it dry out); Leggy, sparse growth (caused by too much light causing elongated stems — move to a shadier location. trim leggy growth and allow to fill in densely); Gray or silver curling (in Selaginella lepidophylla — Resurrection Plant) (caused by normal dormancy response to dryness — soak in water — the plant will unfurl and green up within hours. this is a survival mechanism, not a problem).
Growing spike moss in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!