Giant Clubmoss

Giant Clubmoss requires relatively less watering compared to other houseplants. This species tends to thrive even in dry conditions. It is recommended to water the plant once a week, less in winter when the plant is dormant. Any excess water should be removed from its tray or pot to keep it from becoming soggy. It is essential to not over-watering as this would result in root rot through waterlogging.

Giant clubmoss prefers bright, indirect sunlight. A spot that only receives a few hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight is ideal. Placing the plant near a bright, but not direct, sunlit window should provide just the right amount of light for it to thrive. If low light conditions are chosen, the foliage of the plant will start to thin out and can even drop off. On the other hand, exposure to intense sunlight can burn the papery foliage. Thus, a balance should be maintained between adequate and intense sunlight for Giant Clubmoss to maintain its health.

Giant clubmoss requires temperatures ranging from 60 to 70°F (in the mid-15-20°C range) for best growth performance. Much higher temperatures could possibly stunt growth and be detrimental to its health. The plant may still tolerate cooler temperatures of about 40°F (5°C), but it is not recommended.

Giant Clubmoss prefers higher humidity levels to thrive properly. A low level of humidity can cause the foliage to dry out, leading to brown and crisp patches. A humidifier or regular misting should help maintain adequate moisture levels in the air around the plant in order to ensure its optimal health.

Giant Clubmoss prefers a light potting medium with good drainage qualities. A lightweight, fast-draining potting soil is ideal as it ensures that no waterlogging occurs. Adding some potting compost to the soil mix also helps in improving its aeration and texture. Although a peat-based potting mix is preferred, but the plant will also thrive in a regular, peat-free potting mix containing perlite and gritty sand.

Giant clubmoss does not require regular fertilizing, however, in spring and summer, you can use liquid fertilizer once a month to promote rapid growth. It is important to not overfertilizing the plant as it could lead to serious damage to it. A light liquid fertilizer mixed with room temperature water is recommended.

Giant Clubmoss is usually not prone to pests, however, in some cases, scale or spider mites might infest the plant. It’s important to keep an eye out for any small insects because the long stems of this plant can easily hide infestations. The best way to get rid of pests is to bring the plant to a sink or bathtub and remove any visible insects gently with your fingers. Once the bugs have been removed, use soapy water to thoroughly wash the plant. If the infestation persists, you can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

It’s recommended to repot Giant clubmoss every two years or when the current pot has become too small. For a young plant, repot it at least twice a year as the plant grows quickly. Since the Giant clubmoss doesn’t use a lot of soil, you can reuse the pot for several times and top it off with new soil when necessary.

Pruning Giant clubmoss is not mandatory, however, it’s beneficial for the overall health and appearance of the plant. Cut off any dead or yellowing foliage to encourage the growth of newer and healthier growth. Try not to over-prune the plant as it can cause serious damage to it or it may even die off.

Adding a 2-3-inch layer of mulch, such as pine needles or hay, to the soil around the plant helps improve the soil's drainage, conserve moisture, and keep roots cooler. It also helps keep the plant tidy and free from weeds.

Giant clubmoss can be propagated through stem-cuttings. Take a healthy stem and remove the bottom two leaves. Plant it in the prepared potting mix and make sure to keep the air moist and humidity levels high to prevent the cutting from drying up. It is recommended to plant 2-3 cuttings together for uniform growth. Cuttings can root in as less as 2-3 weeks and the new growth should appear within three months after transplanting.

As this plant reaches maturity, it can become quite dense in texture. To keep it in its upright growing position, it can be beneficial to provide some type of support. A simple moss pole or driftwood log can be used to keep the stems growing upright.

Giant clubmoss is considered semi-evergreen and does not require a strong dormancy period for it to thrive. During autumn and winter, the plant does not require intense light and a comparatively slower growth rate can be observed. It is advised to reduce all fertilization and water while the new season period rolls in as the low temperatures put a halt to growth.

Giant Clubmoss is not known to be toxic to any pets – a great house plant to have when you own a pet.