Selaginella Siamensis Hieron
Plant Profile
Selaginella siamensis Hieron is a compact tropical lycophyte native to the shaded forest floors of Thailand and neighboring regions of Southeast Asia, characterized by small, feathery, glossy leaves that arrange into neat, spreading rosettes. Grown strictly above the waterline, its rich emerald green tone contrasts cleanly against light-colored driftwood and pale stones, serving as a dependable living base along shaded terrarium foreground zones or moist terrestrial ledges in a paludarium. Unlike rambling spikemosses that send wild runners, this species maintains a tight clumping form that stays low and composed as it fills in.
Key Features & Notes
- Glossy, feathery foliage grows in distinct rosette clusters that stay low to the substrate.
- Native understory habit makes it well suited for shaded lower zones with steady indirect lighting.
- Clumping growth rate fills out floor beds cleanly without aggressive rambling over hardscape.
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 soil pockets.
- Provide low to moderate indirect light; avoid harsh direct lighting that can scorch delicate leaf tips and fade the green color.
- Maintain humidity above 75% while ensuring the soil drains freely, as soggy or waterlogged substrate will cause yellowing leaves and crown melt.
- Prune older outer foliage close to the base with clean shears to maintain tidy clumps and encourage fresh growth.
- Selaginella siamensis 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 siamensis Hieron. |
| Common Name(s) | Siam Spikemoss, Rosette Spikemoss |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Plant Type | Rosette-Forming Lycophyte / Spikemoss |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium (Indirect / Filtered) |
| Submersion Suitability | Emersed Only (Not for full submersion) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground, Midground, Forest Floor Base, Paludarium Banks |
| Height / Size | 3"–6" (7.5–15 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Humidity Requirement | High (> 75% RH) |
| Propagation Method | Division / Stem Cuttings |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Selaginella siamensis survive in a closed terrarium?
Yes. It performs well in enclosed glass tanks where stable, elevated humidity protects the delicate rosette foliage from drying out.
2. Why are the leaves on my Selaginella turning yellow or mushy?
Yellowing and soft foliage are typical signs of overwatering and compacted substrate. Keep the soil mix airy and allow excess water to drain completely.
3. How do you propagate Selaginella siamensis?
Divide established rosette clusters at the root base with clean shears during maintenance, or take short stem cuttings and set them into damp sphagnum moss until rooted.