Selaginella Erythropus Ruby Red Club Moss
Plant Profile
Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red', commonly known as Red Spikemoss or Ruby Red Clubmoss, is a low-growing tropical lycophyte recognized for its distinct two-tone foliage: the upper surfaces of its feathery fronds display a deep forest green, while the stems and leaf undersides are flushed in a rich, ruby-red hue. Because it cannot handle full submersion, it belongs in high-humidity setups where its bicolored fronds break up solid mats of green moss and pop against rugged driftwood branches along the enclosure floor or upper paludarium ledges.
Key Features & Notes
- Two-tone fronds pair deep forest-green upper surfaces with distinct ruby-red undersides and stems.
- Slow, compact spreading habit creates a colorful understory carpet that stays between 3 and 6 inches tall.
- Feathery foliage breaks up monochromatic green plantings in enclosed, high-humidity tanks.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Tuck the root cluster gently into an airy, moisture-retentive tropical substrate blend of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite across foreground or midground pockets.
- Provide low to moderate indirect lighting; harsh direct light will fade the deep red tones and burn the delicate fronds.
- Maintain humidity above 75% at all times, as dry air will quickly cause the feathery frond tips to wither, curl, and crisp.
- Trim older or browning outer foliage close to the stem base with clean shears to maintain a clean clumping habit.
- Selaginella erythropus are terrestrial plants, and being submerged will result in the death of the plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red' |
| Common Name(s) | Ruby Red Club Moss, Red Spike Moss |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Plant Type | Lycophyte / Creeping Spikemoss |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium (Partial Shade / Filtered) |
| Submersion Suitability | Emersed Only (Not for full submersion) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Carpet, Terrarium Floor, Paludarium Banks |
| Height / Size | 3"–6" (7.5–15 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Humidity Requirement | High (> 75% RH) |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cuttings / Division |
| Origin | Central & South America (Yucatán to Colombia) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red' survive in a closed terrarium?
Yes. It does best in closed or semi-enclosed glass setups where consistent ambient humidity keeps the delicate bicolored fronds supple and hydrated.
2. Why are the fronds on my Ruby Red Spikemoss withering and curling?
Withering or curling fronds indicate dry ambient air or excessive drafts. Increase enclosure humidity above 75% and ensure glass seals prevent moisture loss.
3. How do you propagate Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red'?
Take a healthy stem cutting that has visible rooting nodes and lay it flat across moist sphagnum moss or an airy soil mix under high humidity until it roots.