Who and who least like moss. It is a way of covering the soil, leaving a plant so compact that it barely leaves room for anything else. AND similar to this is the selaginella apoda. Do you know this plant?
Below we are going to talk to you about the characteristics it has, what it is like and also the care it needs in case you want to bet on it in your garden. Shall we start?
What is selaginella nicknamed?
The nickname selaginella is often known as Meadow Moss Spike. It is native to the United States and Mexico, specifically to habitats related to swamps, wetlands, forests, near streams... and the plant itself needs good humidity to survive and give that characteristic green appearance.
Physically, it is a perennial plant (that is, it will last you all year with leaves) and it looks very similar to moss. It has a compact size and is between fifteen and twenty centimeters high.
Regarding their stems, they can be upright or creeping, although it is usual for them to be of the second form. The foliage comes out of them, which will be quite intense green, which draws attention. Of course, don't expect flowers because in this case it doesn't have that capacity.
As a plant itself, The most common use given to it is indoors, or in greenhouses or terrariums. The reason is due to its special needs, since it requires that it have an adequate temperature and humidity so that it does not dry out. Therefore, sometimes it is usually found in these places. But that doesn't mean you can't have it in the garden. As long as you take care of him, he will be able to enjoy it.
Care of selaginella apoda
Now that Do you know a little more about selaginella apoda?What care would it require? It is one of the plants that not many people dare to have at home. But if you like moss it is perhaps more resistant than this one.
Below, we give you all the keys so you can make a decision as to whether it is the right plant for you.
Location and temperature
In its natural habitat, selaginella apoda is an outdoor plant. Actually, they all are. But due to its characteristics, in a house it is preferable to have it indoors, in a greenhouse or even in a terrarium.
As for the sun, It is not a plant that needs direct sun. In fact, it is the worst thing you can do because the plant will eventually burn and die. Instead, choose semi-shade or filtered light. It can also be in the shade, as long as it has a few hours of indirect light for it to nourish itself.
Regarding the temperature, you should know that it is somewhat demanding, because the ideal would be between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius. That is why It is not recommended in areas where the temperature rises too much, although it is capable of withstanding them as long as the environmental humidity is high enough for the plant.
Substratum
Selaginella apoda is not a very demanding plant regarding the soil to be used. In fact, a universal substrate would be more than enough. Yes ok It is recommended to add a little perlite so that it is looser and does not compact too much.
Keep in mind that they are plants that grow very slowly, so they will not need quick transplants, but rather several years apart.
Irrigation and humidity
Continuing with the care of this moss meadow spike, watering is important because it needs the soil to always be moist. In fact, it does not tolerate drought, even for a few hours.
Always use water without lime, and never cold. It is preferable that it be warm (if where you live, the water in your environment is usually cold, it is better to heat it a little). It is a little trick from experts to ensure that the selaginella apoda is well cared for.
In addition, We recommend that you pay attention to its water needs so that the substrate is never dry. (You shouldn't worry too much about excess water in this case).
Now, you must also control the humidity, because you have to make it high (between 70-80%). You can achieve this with a humidifier, controlling the temperature and humidity in a terrarium or by spraying the plants with water from time to time.
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As we have told you about the substrate, the truth is that this plant does not need a fertilizer. But it is true that, if several years have passed since you planted it, the Applying a little fertilizer from time to time is not a bad idea.
What's more, it can help you get out of a slump (in which you see that it is not growing) by giving it more nutrients.
Pruning
It will not be necessary with these plants either, because they don't need it. The plant grows so slowly that you will barely notice how it is evolving.
Plagues and diseases
Most of the pests and diseases that you will face with this plant are, without a doubt, a consequence of a lack of environmental humidity or exposure to high temperatures, sun...
When it lacks moisture, You will see that the little leaves it has curl and turn brown. Additionally, mites will appear.
Fortunately, if you catch it in time, you can recover it because you just have to increase the humidity and wait for it to recover. In the case of mites, having a product to combat them, and neem oil to prevent their appearance, will be more than enough.
Multiplication
Finally, we would have the spread. AND This can be done by dividing the plant (making sure there are roots in each part); or by cuttings.
The cuttings should always be collected in spring to leave them for a few days to seal the wound and then plant them.
As you can see, selaginella apoda is a very showy plant, especially if you get pots of it that grow in a leafy shape. Do you dare to have it at home?