Selaginella articulata
Best choice for intermediate hobbyists building lush, high-humidity terrariums.
Introducing the Selaginella articulata, also known as Spikemoss, a tropical plant that brings unique texture and structure to any indoor display. Its upright, branching growth and finely textured, fern-like foliage create a captivating visual. This plant thrives in high-humidity environments, making it an excellent choice for terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. It prefers consistently moist soil and indirect light, contributing to its vibrant green color. Rated intermediate on the plant care scale, it's a beautiful addition for creating lush, miniature landscapes.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9235
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-62%
Below average
Species
Selaginella articulata
/ Selaginella articulata
Who it's for
- Terrarium hobbyists seeking a lush, miniature jungle centerpiece
- Vivarium keepers needing dense, naturalistic ground cover
- Collectors prioritizing healthy, properly identified tropical specimens
Who should skip it
- Homeowners without high-humidity environments or specialized enclosures
- Busy plant owners unable to maintain consistent, precise moisture
- Decorators looking for low-maintenance, open-shelf houseplants
Performance breakdown
Terrarium Suitability
High humidity requirements make this an ideal candidate for enclosed environments.
Visual Texture
Fern-like foliage provides intricate structural detail for miniature landscape designs.
Care Accessibility
Intermediate rating reflects specific moisture and humidity demands for success.
Growth Habit
Upright, branching structure creates a distinct vertical focal point.
Environmental Tolerance
Low drought tolerance requires consistent attention to soil moisture levels.
Pet Safety
Not recommended for households with curious pets due to toxicity risks.
Key Specs
Species
Selaginella articulata
Growth Habit
Upright, branching
Light Preference
Indirect light
Water Needs
Medium to high moisture
Type
Terrestrial
Shipped Size
Well rooted plant in a 2.5" pot
Drought Tolerance
Low
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Distinctive upright, branching growth
- Textured, fern-like foliage
- Ideal for high-humidity environments
- Thrives in moist conditions
- Adds structural interest to displays
- Requires indirect light
- Evergreen plant
- Rated intermediate on plant care scale
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Selaginella articulata upon arrival. The primary theme is reliability, specifically concerning the meticulous packaging that ensures these delicate tropicals survive transit without damage. Reviewers frequently note the plant's vibrant color and robust root structure, confirming that Glass Box Tropicals delivers specimens exactly as advertised. This high standard of care translates directly into strong customer satisfaction, making the purchase feel like a worthwhile investment for specialized terrarium enthusiasts seeking rare and healthy flora.
Know before you buy
This plant is rated as intermediate. It requires consistent moisture and high humidity, so it is best suited for someone who has experience maintaining specific environmental conditions or is comfortable managing a terrarium.
While it can survive in a humid room, it thrives best in a terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium. These enclosed environments help maintain the high humidity levels and consistent soil moisture this species requires to stay healthy.
It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate, fern-like foliage and cause it to lose its vibrant green color.
No, Selaginella articulata is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep this plant in an area or enclosure that is inaccessible to curious pets.
This plant has low drought tolerance and needs to be kept consistently moist. You should water it frequently enough to ensure the soil never dries out completely, as it prefers medium to high moisture levels.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20