Selaginella Uncinata, Blue Spikemoss, Peacock Fern - Creeper

Selling size: Bushy Plant | Pot Included

Selaginella uncinata, commonly known as Blue Spikemoss or Peacock Fern, is a captivating plant admired for its iridescent blue-green foliage. Despite its common names, it is neither a true moss nor a fern but a lycophyte, a more ancient group of vascular plants.

Here's a guide to keeping Selaginella Uncinata | Blue Spikemoss | Peacock Fern beauty thriving:

Key characteristics:

• Iridescent foliage: The most notable feature is its shimmering, metallic blue-green coloration, which appears to change with the angle of the light. This striking effect is most vibrant when the plant is grown in low-light conditions.
• Growth habit: It is a creeping, mat-forming herb that can spread extensively. The stems are delicate, profusely branched, and trail along the ground.
• Leaves: The plant has two different types of scale-like leaves. The larger leaves grow along the sides of the main stem, while the smaller, overlapping leaves are arranged in pairs.
• Spores: Like other spikemosses, S. uncinata is heterosporous, producing two sizes of spores (microspores and megaspores) in cone-like structures called strobili.
• Habitat: In its native environment, it thrives on the moist, shaded forest floor, often found near rivers or in swampy areas.

Cultivation and care:

Light

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. An east-facing window or a location with filtered light is perfect.
• It can tolerate lower light conditions, and the blue coloration may even be more pronounced in slightly shadier spots.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves.

Watering

• Requires consistently moist soil. Water when the top inch of the soil starts to feel slightly dry.
• Water thoroughly, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Never allow the plant to sit in standing water.
• "Little and often" is a good approach. Be mindful not to let the soil dry out completely.
• Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows, but never allow the soil to become bone dry.

Humidity

• High humidity is crucial for Selaginella uncinata to flourish. Aim for humidity levels of 50% or higher.
• Ideal for terrariums, which naturally provide a humid environment.
• If not in a terrarium, increase humidity by:
  • Regularly misting the plant with a fine spray.
  • Using a pebble tray filled with water near the plant (ensure the pot isn't sitting directly in the water).
  • Grouping plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
  • Using a humidifier.

Temperature

• Prefers moderate temperatures between 12-26°C (53-79°F).
• Avoid extreme temperatures and drafts of hot or cold air.
• Cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Soil

• Needs a well-draining potting mix that also retains moisture.
• A mix containing peat moss or coco coir, along with perlite or pumice for drainage, works well. A fern mix is also suitable.
• Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 5.5 to 7.0) is preferred.

Fertilizer

• A light feeder. Fertilize sparingly, once a month during the spring and summer growing season with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to fertilizer burn.
• No need to fertilize during the fall and winter when the plant is typically dormant or has significantly slowed growth.

Propagation

• Can be propagated relatively easily by division or stem cuttings.
• Division: Gently divide a mature plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has its own root system, and replant them in fresh potting mix.
• Stem cuttings: Take a 2-4 inch stem cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in moist potting mix or water until roots develop. Selaginella Uncinata, Blue Spikemoss, Peacock Fern

Additional Tips

• Pruning: Trim away any brown or dead fronds to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage new growth.
• Terrariums: Its love for humidity makes it an excellent choice for terrariums, where it can create a stunning blue-green carpet. Ensure good ventilation in enclosed terrariums to prevent excessive moisture buildup and fungal issues.
• Color Intensity: The intensity of the blue coloration can vary depending on light conditions and the specific plant. Plants in slightly lower light may exhibit a more intense blue hue.

By providing the right conditions, your Selaginella uncinata will reward you with its unique and beautiful foliage for years to come.