Selaginella Mollis

Selaginella Mollis as a terrarium plant for a constantly humid microclimate

Selaginella Mollis is a spike moss (not a true moss species) with fine, densely branching shoots that can form a calm, green base in the terrarium. The plant grows low and wide, making it a beautiful soft “filler” between hardscape and larger foliage plants, or as ground cover along edges where you want a natural, forest floor effect. With sufficient humidity, the leaves remain compact; in air that is too dry, you will often quickly see the tips become less attractive. Therefore, in practice, Selaginella is primarily suitable for an enclosed or well-humidified terrarium.

Care of Selaginella Mollis in the terrarium

Provide Selaginella Mollis with low to medium, indirect light and keep the environment warm and stable. The substrate should be kept constantly slightly moist, but not waterlogged or oxygen-poor; an airy structure helps keep the root zone fresh. The most important factor is humidity: Selaginellas do best in high humidity (often 75%+), with sufficient ventilation to prevent stuffiness. If you get this balance right, the plant will continue to grow evenly and maintain a beautiful “cushion-like” structure.