Club Moss
Selaginella — The Terrarium-Only Ground Cover
Light
Low to medium — prefers shaded, indirect light similar to a forest floor. Direct sun will scorch the delicate fronds almost immediately. Thrives under fluorescent and LED lighting in enclosed or semi-enclosed setups.
Water
Mist frequently or maintain in a terrarium to provide the humidity it demands. Dry air kills it quickly — this is not a set-and-forget plant.
Humidity
Needs high humidity. Struggles in dry, heated offices without help.
Temperature
16–24°C (60–75°F). Dislikes heat from vents and direct sun.
Difficulty
Advanced
Sizes
Tabletop · Mid-floor · Floor specimen
Club Moss, of the genus Selaginella, is a low, creeping ground cover with delicate, scale-like foliage on branching stems that resemble a miniature conifer. It stays under 15 centimetres tall and spreads slowly to fill its container, more like living moss than a typical houseplant.
In the Office
Club Moss needs humidity that most offices simply don't have, so it only works inside a terrarium, glass case or an unusually humid room — not as a standalone plant on a desk or shelf. It suits shaded, indirect light and does well under fluorescent or LED lighting in an enclosed setup. Outside of glass, it dries out and browns quickly in typical office air.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Distinctive, moss-like texture that looks like a miniature forest floor — a novelty most office plants don't offer
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Tolerates low to medium light and does well under fluorescent or LED lighting inside an enclosed terrarium
- Minimal pruning needed beyond the occasional cosmetic trim
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Reception desks or breakout tables — but only inside an enclosed terrarium, where the humidity it needs stays consistent
- 2
Lobby display cases — the glass keeps the microclimate humid enough while still showing off the texture
- 3
Unusually humid rooms, such as a space near a green wall or misting setup — anywhere ambient humidity stays high
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Trim brown or dried frond tips with sharp scissors as needed
- Remove dead sections so fresh growth can fill in
- Keep it in a terrarium or glass case — standard office humidity will dry it out and turn fronds brown and crispy
- Watch for fungal problems if conditions stay wet and stagnant; good airflow inside the enclosure helps
Want Club Moss in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.