Selaginella erythropus
Best choice for terrarium enthusiasts seeking vibrant, humidity-loving ground cover.
Discover the Selaginella erythropus, a captivating tropical spikemoss that brings a touch of the exotic to your indoor jungle. Its leaves boast a stunning iridescent dark green to blue sheen, dramatically contrasted by deep red undersides. This terrestrial plant thrives in high humidity, making it a perfect choice for terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. With its creeping, trailing growth habit, it adds rich texture and vibrant color as a ground cover or accent. Selaginella erythropus prefers consistently moist conditions and bright, indirect light, offering a lush, jungle-like appeal with moderate care.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 2644
#3 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Species
Selaginella erythropus
/ Selaginella erythropus
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking high-contrast, vibrant foliage for display
- Vivarium hobbyists needing lush, humidity-loving groundcover
- Aquascapers wanting fast-growing plants to fill empty spaces
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting a low-maintenance, slow-growing display
- Busy plant owners unable to maintain consistent moisture
- Indoor gardeners without a dedicated terrarium or greenhouse
Performance breakdown
Terrarium Suitability
Thrives in high-humidity environments, making it a perfect vivarium ground cover.
Visual Impact
Iridescent blue-green leaves and deep red undersides create stunning color contrast.
Growth Habit
Creeping, trailing stems provide excellent texture for naturalistic enclosure layouts.
Care Difficulty
Requires consistent moisture and high humidity to prevent foliage browning.
Light Adaptability
Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower levels in controlled settings.
Root Establishment
Ships as a well-rooted specimen ready for immediate terrarium integration.
Key Specs
Species
Selaginella erythropus
Growth Habit
Creeping, trailing
Light Preference
Indirect light
Moisture Requirement
Medium to high moisture
Plant Type
Terrestrial
Shipped Size
Well rooted plant grown in a 2.5" pot
Temperature Range
Warm to cool growing
Humidity Requirements
High
Features
- Striking iridescent foliage with red undersides
- Ideal for high-humidity terrariums
- Adds rich texture and color
- Creeping, trailing growth habit
- Suitable for ground cover
- Visually dramatic coloration
- Enhances naturalistic enclosures
- Moderate care requirements
What customers say
Consumers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and striking visual appeal of the Selaginella erythropus. Reviewers frequently note that the plant arrives healthy, well rooted, and meticulously packaged, often exceeding expectations for live plant shipping. The vibrant red undersides provide a dramatic pop of color, making it a highly valued centerpiece for terrarium design. This specimen is celebrated for its robust condition and immediate aesthetic impact, offering excellent value for specialized hobbyists.
Know before you buy
While it is possible to grow this plant in a standard indoor environment, it requires very high ambient humidity to thrive. It is much better suited for a terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium where moisture levels remain consistently elevated.
It prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage and cause the vibrant colors to fade.
Yes, as a terrestrial plant, it should be planted in a moisture-retentive, well-draining substrate. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, as this species does not tolerate drying out.
Selaginella erythropus has a creeping, trailing growth habit that makes it an excellent ground cover. Under optimal conditions with high humidity and moisture, it will gradually spread to fill in the floor of your enclosure.
This plant is quite adaptable and grows well in a range from warm to cool temperatures. It is generally happy in standard household temperatures, provided the humidity levels are kept high.
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$13