Northern selaginella
Selaginella rupestris · Selaginellaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant northern selaginella: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, very fine and delicate
- Form
- Compact and spreading tuft
- Adult size
- 5 to 15 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, prefers mild temperatures
- Origin
- Temperate and tropical regions of North America
- Soil type
- Well-draining, moist, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate constantly moist but never waterlogged. Water with fine misting or by capillary action, avoiding direct wetting of the fragile fronds. Reduce watering slightly in winter, but never let the soil dry out completely.
Light exposure
Prioritize indirect and diffuse light, away from direct sun which would scorch the delicate foliage. Partial shade or filtered light are ideal. This plant adapts well to indoor spaces with moderate natural light.
Pruning and cleaning
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged fronds as needed with care. Avoid unnecessary touching of the very fragile foliage.
Substrate and drainage
Use a light mix composed of leaf mold, sphagnum, and perlite or sand. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Preferably enriched with organic matter to maintain moisture.
Fertilization
Apply very diluted, balanced fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Avoid excess: this plant doesn't need large quantities. In autumn and winter, stop fertilizing.
Diseases and pests
Beware especially of dry air which promotes spider mites. Increase humidity through regular misting. Watch for mealybugs and whiteflies. Avoid stagnant water which causes root and frond rot.
Did you know?
Selaginellas are among the oldest vascular plants in the world, with a pedigree dating back more than 400 million years. Selaginella rupestris in particular possesses a remarkable ability: it can enter complete dormancy during prolonged droughts and return to life within a few hours once rehydrated—a fascinating resurrection called "desiccation-resistance".
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
- Selaginella selaginoidesSelaginella selaginoides
- Toothed-leaved ClubmossSelaginella denticulata
- Krauss's ClubmossSelaginella kraussiana
- Selaginella helveticaSelaginella helvetica
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.