Handsome Spikemoss: A Tiny Tropical Treasure for Your Garden
Meet the handsome spikemoss (Selaginella subcaulescens), a delightful little plant that’s not quite what it seems! Despite its common name, this charming species isn’t actually a moss at all – it’s a spike moss, which belongs to an ancient group of plants called lycophytes. Think of it as a living fossil that’s been quietly perfecting its craft for millions of years.
What Exactly Is Handsome Spikemoss?
Handsome spikemoss is a perennial lycophyte that grows as a small, herbaceous plant without any woody stems. This means it stays soft and green year-round, forming delicate carpets of tiny, scale-like leaves that overlap like miniature shingles. Unlike true mosses, spike mosses have a simple vascular system that helps them transport water and nutrients – pretty sophisticated for such a small package!
The plant reproduces through spores rather than flowers, making it quite different from the typical garden plants you might be familiar with. Its scientific name, Selaginella subcaulescens, might be a mouthful, but you might also encounter it listed under its synonym, Selaginella sintenisii.
Where Does It Call Home?
This little beauty is native exclusively to Puerto Rico, where it thrives in the island’s tropical climate. Currently, it’s only found growing naturally in Puerto Rico, making it a special endemic species of the Caribbean.
Is Handsome Spikemoss Beneficial for Your Garden?
If you’re lucky enough to live in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, handsome spikemoss can be a wonderful addition to your garden! Here’s why it might be worth considering:
- Creates a unique, fine-textured ground cover that adds visual interest
- Perfect for shaded areas where other plants might struggle
- Excellent for rock gardens, adding a soft contrast to hard surfaces
- Makes an outstanding terrarium specimen for indoor growing
- Requires minimal maintenance once established
- Adds an exotic, tropical feel to shade gardens
However, keep in mind that this plant has very specific growing requirements and won’t tolerate cold temperatures, making it unsuitable for most temperate climates.
How to Spot Handsome Spikemoss
Identifying handsome spikemoss is all about looking for these key features:
- Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping patterns
- Low-growing, mat-forming habit that hugs the ground
- Bright to medium green coloration
- Delicate, fine texture that looks almost feathery
- No flowers – instead, look for small cone-like structures that contain spores
- Prefers shaded, humid locations
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re in the right climate zone and want to try growing handsome spikemoss, here’s what it needs to thrive:
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage.
Moisture: Loves consistently moist (but not waterlogged) conditions. Think of the humidity levels in a tropical forest.
Soil: Well-draining soil that retains some moisture. A mix of peat, perlite, and organic matter works well.
Temperature: Only hardy in zones 10-11, requiring warm temperatures year-round.
Humidity: High humidity is essential – this is where terrariums really shine for indoor growing!
The Bottom Line
Handsome spikemoss is a fascinating little plant that brings a touch of ancient botanical history to modern gardens. While it’s quite specific in its requirements and limited to tropical climates, it rewards patient gardeners with its unique beauty and low-maintenance nature. Whether you’re creating a tropical shade garden in Puerto Rico or Florida, or looking for an interesting terrarium plant anywhere else, this charming spike moss is definitely worth getting to know!
For gardeners outside of its preferred climate zones, consider it a wonderful reminder of the incredible diversity of plant life in our tropical regions – and perhaps inspiration for your next vacation destination!
