Selaginella tamariscina
THESE PLANTS ARE FOR PREORDER ONLY. THEY WILL BE HERE ON DEC 16. THEY WILL BE SHIPPED A FEW DAYS LATER AFTER RECEIVED. IF YOU CANT PATIENTLY WAIT DO NOT ORDER THANK YOU 🙏🏻
Selaginella tamariscina — Description & Care Guide
Selaginella tamariscina, also known as White-Tip Spikemoss or Resurrection Spikemoss, is a compact, fern-like plant prized for its tight rosettes and distinctive white-tipped new growth. It has a mossy, cushion-forming appearance that makes it ideal for terrariums, paludariums, vivariums, and high-humidity displays. Unlike true mosses, it is a primitive vascular plant that prefers consistent moisture and shade.
Appearance
- Forms dense, symmetrical rosettes
- New growth develops a silver-white tip
- Mature fronds are deep green with scale-like leaves
- Typically stays 3–6 inches tall and slowly expands outward
Care Requirements
Light
Prefers low to medium indirect light
- Avoid direct sunlight — it dries out quickly and scorches the tips
Humidity
- Needs high humidity (70–95%)
- Does best in closed or semi-closed environments (terrariums/paludariums)
- Mist often if kept out in open air
Watering
- Likes constantly moist soil — never let it fully dry
- Use soft, distilled, or RO water if possible
- Great candidate for setups with running water near the base, but not fully submerged
Substrate
-
Moisture-retentive soil such as:
- Peat + perlite
- Coco coir mixes
- Terrarium substrate blends
- Rich, airy, and consistently damp
Temperature
- Ideal range: 65–80°F
- Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F
Growth Rate
- Slow-growing
- Forms a tight mound over time
Can it live in water?
- No — it cannot live fully submerged.
- It can tolerate the base sitting in shallow water or on waterfall backgrounds, but the foliage must remain above water and in high humidity.
Ideal Uses
- Terrariums
- Paludariums
- Mossy forest-floor layouts
- Shaded vivarium backgrounds