Lycopodium clavatum

Genus & species | Common name:
Lycopodium clavatum | Common Clubmoss — Named for its club-shaped strobili (spore-bearing cones) at the tips of its trailing stems. Despite its moss-like appearance, it’s a primitive vascular plant.

How to grow:
Prefers cool to mild temperatures, bright filtered light, and consistently moist but well-drained substrate. Ideal for large terrariums, shaded rock gardens, or paludarium edges. Needs good air circulation but high ambient humidity. Avoid direct hot sun.

Growing requirements:

• a) Water: Keep evenly moist; never waterlog

• b) Soil / substrate: Loose, humus-rich, slightly acidic; mix of sphagnum moss, fine bark, and leaf mould

• c) Humidity: High (>70%)

• d) Sunlight: Bright indirect to dappled shade (5,000–12,000 lux); 8–15W grow light

• e) Temperature: 15–24 °C; dislikes excessive heat or frost

Growth habit:
Creeping, evergreen, with long trailing stems and upright fertile spikes

Growing season & conditions:
Steady growth year-round in tropical/subtropical climates; slower in cooler conditions

Acclimatization on transport:
Can shed delicate branchlets if jostled; avoid letting substrate dry out in transit