The plant species of the moss fern family (Selaginellaceae) known as moss weed or moss fern look like a mixture between fern and moss, but they are not really related to them. When it comes to care, however, the decorative moss ferns have similar needs as many room ferns.
How do I properly care for a moss fern?
To care for a moss fern, the location should be neither too sunny nor too dark. Water regularly in small amounts, but avoid waterlogging. In addition, high humidity should be ensured and low-dose liquid fertilizer should be used occasionally.
How often should a moss fern be watered?
The right moisture balance is a central criterion in the cultivation of moss ferns: On the one hand, they like it to be constantly slightly moist, but waterlogging causes the roots to rot easily. Therefore, waterlogging should be avoided at all costs, but should be watered very often and very little. Locations near windows (and above radiators) are generally not suitable for moss ferns. However, they thrive better if they are cultivated in a discarded aquarium, terrarium or as a plant in a so-called bottle garden. It is best to water moss ferns with water that is at room temperature and ensure that the humidity is as high as possible by placing water bowls nearby or by spraying the plant.
What should you consider when repotting a moss fern?
The moss fern doesn't necessarily grow quickly, but it should be repotted as soon as its previous plant pot is completely rooted. A nutrient-rich substrate with good water storage capacity should be tolerated. Moss ferns generally tolerate peat in the substrate well. However, first fill the lower area of the new plant pot with a drainage layer made of gravel or similar materials so that dangerous waterlogging of the roots can be avoided.
When and how can the moss fern be cut?
Due to the stocky growth habit, pruning is not really necessary. Dried plant parts can be easily cut out at any time. In addition, aerial roots often form on the plant, making parts of them particularly easy to separate as offshoots.
What pests can attack a moss fern?
If moss ferns are cultivated in a greenhouse, it is not uncommon for increased snail damage to occur. This problem can be prevented by choosing a location that is elevated or otherwise difficult for snails to reach.
Is the moss fern susceptible to disease?
The moss fern is not particularly susceptible to disease, but it is certainly sensitive to care errors. The location you choose should therefore be neither too sunny nor too dark. Due to the high moisture requirement, mold can occasionally form on the surface of the potting soil in the pot.
Should a moss fern be fertilized regularly?
Low dosage fertilization can be done on the moss ferns with liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) in the irrigation water. But don't overdo it with the fertilizer, otherwise moss ferns can easily die.
How should a moss fern be overwintered?
Moss ferns are not hardy, so they can only be used outdoors as a decorative plant in summer. The bright winter quarters should not be colder than around 16 degrees Celsius over the long term.
Tip
The moss fern is often sold as so-called “lucky moss” and given away as a good luck charm on New Year's Eve. If it is not protected from the cold outdoors, any attempt at further cultivation indoors can be doomed to failure from the start.
