Lycopodiella inundata
Lycopodiella inundata · Lycopodiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lycopodiella inundata: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Lycopodiaceae
- Type
- Primitive fern (clubmoss)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, very fine and scale-like
- Adult size
- 5 to 15 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy (cold to temperate zones)
- Natural habitat
- Wet areas, peatlands, acidic soils
Care
Watering
The flooded clubmoss requires constantly moist soil, even waterlogged like in its natural habitat. Maintain high humidity and use only soft or rainwater, as it is sensitive to lime. In a pot, drain well to prevent root rot while maintaining permanent moisture.
Light
Provide dappled light or partial shade. This plant prefers shaded environments, away from direct sunlight which dries out its fine foliage. A location near a north or east-facing window suits it perfectly.
Soil and substrate
Use a very acidic and well-draining substrate, enriched with peat or sphagnum. Clubmoss thrives on nutrient-poor but acidic organic matter-rich soils. A mix for wet or peaty plant environments is ideal.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary; this primitive plant has very little nutritional demand and prefers naturally poor environments. Excessive fertilization risks damaging it rather than promoting growth.
Pruning and trimming
Pruning is unnecessary and not recommended. The flooded clubmoss grows naturally in small compact cushions. Simply remove dead or diseased parts if needed.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally robust but can suffer from rot if waterlogged or poorly drained. Avoid stagnant moisture and ensure good air circulation. Pests are rare on this primitive fern.
Did you know?
Lycopodiella inundata is one of the living descendants of the oldest terrestrial vascular plants, which appeared over 400 million years ago. Unlike modern ferns, it reproduces solely through microscopic spores and never produces true flowers. In Europe, its natural populations are becoming rare as its native peatlands disappear, making it a species of major botanical and ecological interest.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Spinulum annotinumSpinulum annotinum
- Club mossLycopodium clavatum
- Fir ClubmossHuperzia selago
- Diphasiastrum complanatumDiphasiastrum complanatum
- Alpine clubmossDiphasiastrum alpinum
- Palhinhaea cernuaPalhinhaea cernua
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.