Selaginella Willdenowii
Plant Profile
Known across the hobby as the Peacock Fern or Peacock Spikemoss, Selaginella willdenowii grabs attention the second light catches its delicate, branching fronds at an angle, flashing an electric metallic-blue iridescence across deep green foliage. It is strictly a terrestrial lycophyte built for the damp understory floor and humid open air; submerging this plant in an aquarium will rot the thin fronds and kill the crown. Woven between tall driftwood roots or trained up a damp back wall, its fine, fern-like sprays soften harsh stone transitions and fill vertical space without forming heavy bulk.
Key Features & Notes
- Branching, fern-like fronds cast an electric blue metallic sheen under soft indirect lighting.
- Can scramble and climb upward along wood or damp backgrounds with regular trimming.
- Thrives in high humidity and porous, aerated soil across vivariums and paludariums.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Plant the rooted base into a light, airy tropical soil mix of coco coir, tree fern fiber, and perlite along midground or background zones, or gently anchor the climbing stems against damp cork bark.
- Provide low to medium indirect light or partial shade; direct sun or intense grow lights will wash out the vivid blue iridescence and scorch the delicate leaves.
- Maintain humidity above 75% and keep the soil evenly damp, but provide adequate bottom drainage to prevent muddy, stagnant water that leads to yellowing foliage.
- Prune stem tips with clean shears to direct growth, encourage bushier branching, or keep its upright reach compact.
- Final height, climbing habit, and blue sheen intensity depend entirely on your specific setup conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary.
- Selaginella willdenowii 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 willdenowii |
| Common Name(s) | Peacock Spikemoss, Peacock Fern, Willdenow's Spikemoss |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial Primitive Lycophyte / Climbing Spikemoss |
| Care Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium Indirect Light (Partial Shade) |
| Submersion Suitability | Emersed Only (Not for full submersion) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground, Background, Climber on Hardscape & Walls |
| Height / Size | 12"–24" (30–60 cm) if trained; easily pruned smaller |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Humidity Requirement | High (> 75% RH) |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cuttings / Division |
| Origin | Tropical Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Selaginella willdenowii be grown submerged in an aquarium?
No. Selaginella willdenowii is strictly a terrestrial spikemoss. Fully submerging it underwater will quickly suffocate the delicate fronds and rot the plant.
2. Why are the fronds on my Peacock Spikemoss turning yellow?
Yellowing fronds generally indicate overwatering and poor soil drainage. Ensure excess water drains cleanly away from the roots so the substrate remains damp rather than soggy.
3. How do you bring out the best blue color in Selaginella willdenowii?
Keep the plant under soft, dappled shade and consistent high humidity. Intense or direct light washes out the optical cell structure that produces the metallic blue sheen.