Description
Selaginella comes from American jungles, where it forms part of the lower layers of the forest. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a creeping or upright habit. The leaves are green, tiny, fairly thin and sharply pointed.
It is grown as a pot plant, but because of the humid conditions it needs, it is very often planted in special window terrariums.
Requirements
The position should be rather shady or with light sun.
Propagation
Young plants are obtained by dividing an adult plant. Plant in small containers with acidic soil and keep the air humidity high for the first few weeks.
Care
The best temperature is 19°C in summer and 16°C in winter. Keep the surroundings very humid. Water regularly with soft water so that the compost is constantly moist, but the plant must not stand in water. Frequent misting will not hurt it. Feed very rarely – every 2–3 months – with diluted fertiliser.
Selaginella overwinters well indoors, provided it has suitable air humidity and an optimal temperature a few degrees lower than in summer.