Photo: Daderot · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Peacock Spikemoss
Selaginella uncinata
Feathery fronds with an iridescent blue-green shimmer. Needs constant sealed humidity or it quickly crisps up.
- Terrarium type
- Closed
- Terrarium size
- Small
- Light
- Low to medium
- Care level
- Moderate
- Growth habit
- Carpet
- Pet safety
- Non-toxic to pets
Growing Peacock Spikemoss in a terrarium
Where to place it
A low, feathery carpet for the shadier foreground, where low to medium light reveals its iridescent blue-green shimmer.
Watering & humidity
It needs constant, sealed humidity and evenly damp substrate — keep the vessel closed. Any drop in moisture and it suffers quickly.
Watch out for
The fronds crisp up rapidly if humidity falls, and the shimmer fades in strong light. If it's browning, the terrarium isn't holding enough moisture.
Reference: Selaginella uncinata on Wikipedia.
Peacock Spikemoss FAQ
Can Peacock Spikemoss grow in a closed terrarium?+
Yes — Peacock Spikemoss (Selaginella uncinata) thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.
Can Peacock Spikemoss grow in an open terrarium?+
It isn't recommended. Peacock Spikemoss (Selaginella uncinata) wants the constant humidity of a sealed, closed terrarium and will quickly dry out and crisp up in an open, airy one.
What size terrarium does Peacock Spikemoss need?+
Peacock Spikemoss suits a small terrarium — jars & bottles. It has a carpet growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Peacock Spikemoss easy to care for?+
Peacock Spikemoss is rated moderate to care for in a terrarium. Feathery fronds with an iridescent blue-green shimmer. Needs constant sealed humidity or it quickly crisps up. The fronds crisp up rapidly if humidity falls, and the shimmer fades in strong light. If it's browning, the terrarium isn't holding enough moisture.
How much light does Peacock Spikemoss need?+
Peacock Spikemoss does best in low to medium light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. A low, feathery carpet for the shadier foreground, where low to medium light reveals its iridescent blue-green shimmer.
Is Peacock Spikemoss safe for cats and dogs?+
Peacock spikemoss (Selaginella uncinata) is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs; selaginellas aren't on the ASPCA toxic-plant list.
