Selaginella 'Frosty Fern': The Charming Imposter Perfect for Winter Displays

Among the usual holiday suspects—poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and amaryllis—a petite, frosted newcomer has been stealing attention on garden center tables. Sold as "Frosty Fern," this delicate plant forms a compact mound of lacy, creamy-edged foliage that truly resembles a dusting of snow. But despite its common name, it's neither a fern nor frost-tolerant. In fact, a freeze would kill it outright.

What Is Frosty Fern, Really?

Botanically, this plant is Selaginella kraussiana 'Variegatus', a cultivar of Krauss's spikemoss. Spikemosses belong to an ancient lineage of vascular plants more closely related to ferns than to true mosses. They reproduce via spores, possess roots, and bear tiny, single-veined leaves—distinct from the complex fronds of ferns or the non-vascular structure of mosses. Native to parts of Africa and the Azores, this species naturally carpets damp, shaded forest floors.

Indoor Care: Humidity Is Key

Frosty fern isn't difficult, but it has non-negotiable needs. Keep the soil consistently moist—never waterlogged, never bone-dry. The real challenge in most homes is humidity. Central heating creates desert-like conditions that cause the delicate fronds to brown and curl. A bathroom windowsill, a terrarium, or a pebble tray filled with water can provide the moisture this plant craves. Grouping it with other plants also helps create a humid microclimate. Bright, indirect light suits it best; direct sun will scorch the pale new growth.

A Seasonal Joy—or a Long-Term Companion?

Many treat frosty fern as a disposable holiday accent, discarding it alongside the poinsettias come January. There's no shame in that—it's inexpensive and widely available. But with consistent humidity and moisture, it can thrive for years as a charming terrarium resident or a conversation piece on a shaded windowsill. Its slow, creeping habit makes it ideal for fairy gardens and miniature landscapes.

Outdoor Potential—and a Caution

In zones 6–9, Selaginella kraussiana can serve as an evergreen groundcover in deep shade, earning an RHS Award of Garden Merit. However, it has naturalized aggressively in New Zealand and parts of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Before planting outdoors, check local invasive species lists. In many regions, a contained patio pot or terrarium remains the wiser—and more responsible—choice.