About

This vigorous, mat-forming tender perennial to 5cm high, with small, scale-like, ferny green leaves that are tipped and splashed with cream. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens.

About the genus

Selaginella are evergreen rhizomatous perennials which may be small and tufted or tall and scrambling, the slender stems covered with small scale-like leaves; spores develop in short terminal spikes

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationIn frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in neutral to slightly acid soil in partial shade. Spreads by rooting stems, forming an effective ground cover. In colder areas, grow under glass in bright filtered light with high humidity. Requires a minimum temperature of 5-7C in the winter months. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores, at 21°C as soon as they are ripe; by root cuttings of rhizomes in winter, or by division, removing rooted stems in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free