Plants

Selaginella are evergreen rhizomatous, mat-forming perennials. They may be small and tufted, or tall and scrambling, with slender stems covered with small scale-like leaves – often fernlike. They develop spores in short terminal spikes. There are many different varieties, and they vary hugely in size, and in the way they grow. Most like high humidity. Willdenow’s spikemoss changes colour depending on the light, from greens to blue-greens

🌿 Selaginella willdenowii (Peacock Fern) — Description & Care Guide

✨ Description
Selaginella willdenowii, commonly called Peacock Fern or Willdenow’s Spikemoss, is a rainforest-floor plant famous for its iridescent blue‑green foliage. The metallic shimmer changes with light angle, giving it an almost bioluminescent look. Despite the name, it is not a true fern but a lycophyte, an ancient plant lineage.

Key features:
– Electric blue/turquoise sheen on leaves
– Fan‑like, lacy fronds with scale-like leaves
– Creeping or vining growth habit
– Typically grows 30 cm tall and spreads up to 50 cm
– Native to humid, shaded tropical forests of Southeast Asia

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🌱 Care Requirements

💡 Light
– Prefers bright, indirect light.
– Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves; the plant’s iridescence helps diffuse light in nature.

💧 Water
– Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
– High moisture is essential; never allow the substrate to fully dry.
– Weekly watering is typical, but frequency depends on humidity and potting mix.

🌡️ Temperature
– Thrives in warm conditions, around 25°C.
– Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 18°C.

💨 Humidity
– Requires very high humidity (around 80%).
– Ideal for terrariums, paludariums, or enclosed environments.
– Regular misting helps maintain moisture.

🌱 Soil
– Prefers loamy, well‑draining, very moist soil.
– A mix for ferns or tropical plants works well.

🌿 Fertilizer
– Light feeding during the growing season with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
– Avoid heavy fertilization, as the plant is sensitive.

✂️ Pruning
– Trim leggy or damaged growth to maintain shape and encourage fullness.

🌱 Propagation
– Propagates via stem cuttings placed in moist substrate under high humidity.
– Roots form readily when conditions are warm and damp.

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🧭 Ideal Placement
– Terrariums
– Shaded indoor shelves
– Humid plant cabinets
– Vivariums with reptiles or amphibians (non-toxic and humidity-loving)

This is a land moss to be grown immersed and not recommended for under water.