Josh's Frogs
Selaginella (Grower's Choice)
Best groundcover for tropical reptile and amphibian terrariums.
Bring the lush beauty of ancient flora to your terrarium with Selaginella, a unique lycophyte known for its scaly, groundcover foliage. As a "Grower's Choice" selection, you'll receive a vibrant specimen chosen by our experts. This humidity-loving plant thrives in tropical environments, making it an ideal addition for reptile and amphibian habitats. It prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil, adding a touch of natural elegance to any vivarium. Originating from Southeast Asia and East Africa, this hardy plant offers a distinctive texture and moderate growth rate, enhancing your enclosed ecosystem.
$16.31
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Species
....
/ Selaginella spp (S uncinata, S kraussiana, or S plana)
Who it's for
- Vivarium hobbyists seeking a lush, naturalistic floor covering
- Indoor gardeners wanting fine-textured, vibrant green foliage
- Terrarium owners needing pest-free, healthy plants for immediate setup
Who should skip it
- Homeowners with dry indoor air and low humidity levels
- Minimalists wanting low-maintenance plants that stay in place
- Collectors requiring specific species identification for precise care
Performance breakdown
Terrarium Compatibility
Perfectly adapted for high-humidity reptile and amphibian enclosures.
Growth Habit
Spreads horizontally to create a dense, lush carpet of foliage.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent moisture to prevent drying in tropical setups.
Visual Texture
Unique scaly leaves add sophisticated, ancient character to any vivarium.
Safety Standards
OMRI-listed treatment ensures a safe environment for sensitive terrarium inhabitants.
Growth Rate
Moderate pace allows for controlled coverage without frequent aggressive pruning.
Key Specs
Species
Selaginella spp. (S. uncinata, S. kraussiana, or S. plana)
Mature Height
2-3 inches
Mature Spread
12-24 inches
Shipping Pot Size
2.5″ pot
Temperature Range
70-80°F
USDA Hardiness Zone
7-10
Treatment
Treated with OMRI Listed© products
Features
- Forms a beautiful horizontal groundcover.
- Ancient plant species (lycophyte).
- Hardy and suitable for animal terrariums.
- Loves high humidity environments.
- Creates lush, scaly foliage.
- Moderate growth rate.
- Ideal for tropical terrariums.
- Chosen by growers for quality.
What customers say
Consumers consistently highlight the exceptional quality and robust health of the Selaginella upon arrival. Reviewers frequently praise the secure, thoughtful packaging, which ensures these delicate plants transition perfectly from shipment to habitat. The consensus suggests that the size and vibrancy of the Grower's Choice selection offer significant value, often surpassing expectations for the price point. This reliability makes it a trusted staple for terrarium and vivarium enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
As a 'Grower's Choice' item, our experts select the healthiest specimen available at the time of your order. You may receive S. uncinata, S. kraussiana, or S. plana, all of which share similar care requirements and growth habits.
Yes, this Selaginella is grown specifically for use in vivariums and terrariums. It is treated with OMRI-listed products, making it a safe and hardy addition to habitats housing reptiles and amphibians.
Selaginella is a low-growing groundcover that typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches. It spreads horizontally, eventually covering an area of 12 to 24 inches, making it perfect for filling in the foreground of a tropical setup.
This plant prefers partial shade. Avoid placing it in direct, intense sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage; instead, provide bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant color and health.
Selaginella thrives in tropical environments with high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist—but not waterlogged—and mist the foliage regularly if your terrarium does not have an automatic misting system or a sealed lid to trap moisture.
To keep your Selaginella healthy, maintain an ambient temperature between 70°F and 80°F. This range mimics the tropical conditions of its native Southeast Asian and East African habitats.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.