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Emm's Plant House

Selaginella sp. ‘Costa Rica’ (Costa Rican Spike Moss)

Selaginella sp. ‘Costa Rica’ (Costa Rican Spike Moss)

£16.00 GBP
£16.00 GBP
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Taxes included.

Selaginella sp. ‘Costa Rica’, commonly known as the Costa Rican Spike Moss, is a vibrant tropical species prized for its fine, fern-like foliage and dense, mossy appearance. It creates a lush green carpet in terrariums, paludariums, or as a ground cover in humid plant displays, thriving best in constant moisture and shade.

  • Full Botanical Name: Selaginella sp. ‘Costa Rica’
  • Common Names: Costa Rican Spike Moss, Tropical Club Moss, Selaginella Moss
  • Country and/or Region of Origin: Costa Rica and other tropical areas of Central America
  • Growing Conditions in Native Habitat: Found on shaded, humid forest floors and rocky areas, often alongside ferns and orchids in constantly moist environments

Care Guide

  • Care Guide:
  • Light: Low to medium indirect light; avoid harsh sunlight
  • Ideal Room: Terrarium, bathroom, or shaded plant cabinet
  • Feeding: Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during active growth
  • Humidity: Very high (70–90%); mist frequently or use a humidifier
  • Ideal Temperature: 18–25°C (65–77°F); avoid cold drafts
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; never allow to dry out completely
  • Pet/Child Safe: Non-toxic — Selaginella species are regarded as safe for cats, dogs, reptiles, amphibians, and humans. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive pets or individuals, so it’s best to discourage chewing or handling by animals.
  • Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich, and well-aerated substrate such as a mix of peat, coco coir, and perlite
  • Propagation: Division or stem cuttings placed in moist substrate under high humidity
  • Eventual Height and Spread: 5–10 cm tall; spreads up to 30–40 cm across
  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in warm, humid environments
  • Pests and Treatment: Rare; may occasionally attract fungus gnats in overly damp soil — improve airflow and allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings
  • Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when the substrate becomes compacted
  • Pruning: Trim gently to maintain shape and remove dead fronds
  • Air Purification: Good; helps maintain humidity and supports cleaner air in terrarium ecosystems
  • Folklore: Symbolizes vitality and endurance due to its ability to regenerate from small fragments when moisture returns after drying
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