Selaginella care in terrariums
The 'resurrection plant' family — moss-like, humidity-loving, dramatic. Why selaginella is having a moment in terrarium builds.
Selaginella is often mistaken for moss but is actually a “spike moss” — an ancient plant family with fern-like characteristics. The terrarium-favorite varieties are small, lush, and love humidity.
Popular varieties for terrariums
- S. kraussiana — most common, bright green, spreads fast
- S. uncinata — peacock fern, iridescent blue-green
- S. lepidophylla — resurrection plant, curls up when dry
- S. martensii — frosty fern, variegated tips
Care basics
| Light | Low to medium indirect |
| Humidity | 70%+ (terrarium essential) |
| Water | Consistently moist |
| Difficulty | Beginner to intermediate |
Why they need terrariums
Most selaginella are native to tropical rainforest floors. They evolved in the same high-humidity, low-light conditions that terrariums recreate. Outside a terrarium, they struggle in normal household humidity (30-50%).
The “resurrection” trick
S. lepidophylla is famous for curling into a brown ball when dry and unfurling when watered. This is a survival mechanism, not damage. In a properly humid terrarium, you won’t see this.
Propagation
Easy from cuttings:
- Cut 2-3 inch stem
- Lay on moist substrate
- Keep humidity very high
- Roots in 2-3 weeks
Selaginella spreads naturally via runners in the right conditions.
Common problems
Browning
Cause: Low humidity. Fix: Close the jar, mist more.
Leggy growth
Cause: Not enough light. Fix: Move to brighter spot.
Rot
Cause: Too wet, no air flow. Fix: Air exchange, add springtails.
Where to buy: Etsy, specialty plant sellers. Browse all plant profiles.