Frosty Fern (Spikemoss)
The 'frosty fern' isn't a fern at all - it's a spikemoss, sold everywhere at Christmas for its lush green fronds tipped with frosty white as if dusted with snow.
Last reviewed: September 2026
AI illustration Overview
The 'frosty fern' isn't a fern at all - it's a spikemoss, sold everywhere at Christmas for its lush green fronds tipped with frosty white as if dusted with snow. Beautiful and popular, but honestly demanding: it lives or dies by constant high humidity. (Selaginella martensii 'Frosty'.)
Origin & Natural Habitat
A cultivar of Selaginella martensii, a spikemoss (an ancient fern ally, not a true fern) from Mexico and Central America, grown for its frosted festive look.
Appearance
Low, spreading, moss-like fronds of tiny scale-leaves, deep green with creamy-white 'frosted' tips; a soft, cushiony, ground-hugging habit.
Why People Grow It - Qualities & Benefits
- Unique frosted festive look
- Lush, soft, cushiony texture
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
- Beautiful terrarium ground cover
Care
Light: Bright indirect light; no direct sun.
Water: Keep constantly moist - never let it dry even briefly; it collapses fast from dryness. Use rain/distilled water if your tap is hard.
Soil: Moisture-retentive, airy mix; it's a surface creeper.
Temperature & Humidity: 18-24°C; VERY high humidity (70%+) is essential - realistically a terrarium or humid-case plant, not an open shelf.
Feeding: Very light - a quarter-strength feed occasionally at most.
Extra: Not a true fern (it's a spikemoss) and famously tricky as a gift plant because the shop conditions (humid, misted) rarely match a dry home. Grow it in a closed terrarium and it thrives; leave it on a radiator shelf and it browns within days.
Propagation
Divide or lay stem sections on moist soil - they root readily in humidity.
Common Problems & Pests
Browning and collapse = the air/soil dried out, even once. Nearly all failures are humidity failures.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Best Suited For
- Experienced growers who can provide humidity
- Pet households (non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- Shade and bright-indirect spots
- Terrariums and humid rooms
FAQ
Is the frosty fern a real fern?
No - it's a spikemoss (Selaginella), an ancient fern relative, not a true fern. It's sold as a 'fern' for its look.
Why did my frosty fern die so fast?
Almost certainly it dried out - it needs constant moisture and very high humidity. A closed terrarium is the reliable way to keep it alive.
Gear for growing frosty fern (spikemoss)
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