Selaginella Erythropus Ruby Red Club Moss

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Red Spike Moss; Ruby Red Spike Moss

Synonyms

Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red'

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Mexico (Yucatan), Colombia, Tanzania

Habitat

Humid tropical forest floors and understory, growing on moist soil and leaf litter in shaded, high-humidity conditions

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Carpeting

Max height

2 – 6 in (5.1 – 15 cm)

Spread

8 in (20 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Foreground, Carpet

Water

Temperature

65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C)

Humidity

70 – 95%

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green, Red

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings, Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Low carpeting fronds spread 2-6 inches tall and up to 8 inches across, forming a dense mat over soil, wood or hardscape. Dark green upper surfaces contrast with ruby undersides that deepen under indirect light and sustained high humidity. Suited to enclosed terrariums or paludarium land sections; substrate must stay moist but the plant itself kept above any waterline.

Care

Ruby Red club moss is a terrestrial spike moss grown for the contrast between its dark green fronds and ruby-red undersides, which shows best under indirect light and consistently high humidity. It spreads low and slow across moist soil, wood or hardscape in enclosed terrariums, vivariums, or the emersed zones of paludariums. It is not a true moss and cannot tolerate long-term submersion, so keep it entirely above the waterline with the growing medium kept moist but not soggy.

Planting & trimming

Remove any cotton or packing material from around the roots before planting into a quality terrarium or paludarium soil kept consistently moist. Position in partially shaded, high-humidity areas such as enclosed terrarium interiors or the emersed sections of a paludarium, tucking the base around rocks or wood to encourage a creeping mat. Trim back overgrown fronds periodically to maintain a dense, tidy appearance and to propagate new cuttings.

Fertilizing

Light fertilizing is rarely necessary if planted in a quality terrarium soil, since most nutrients come from the substrate rather than the water column. A diluted liquid fertilizer applied occasionally through misting can support color and density in nutrient-poor mixes. Fading or dull coloration along with withering fronds usually points to low humidity rather than a nutrient deficiency.

Propagation

Propagated by taking stem cuttings with a few nodes and laying or lightly burying them on moist soil in a high-humidity environment, where they will root and spread. Division of an established mat is also effective, separating rooted sections and replanting them in the desired location. New plantings benefit from being kept under cover or misted frequently until established.

Problems

Withering, curling, or browning fronds are the most common problem and almost always trace back to insufficient humidity or fluctuating moisture levels. Prolonged direct sun can scorch the delicate foliage, while stagnant, overly wet substrate can lead to rot at the base. Because it is intolerant of submersion, any accidental flooding of the terrestrial section should be corrected promptly to prevent decline.

Sources

1. Selaginella Erythropus Ruby Red Club Moss – Nature Aquariums USA
2. Selaginella Erythropus Ruby Red Club Moss - Buce Plant
3. Selaginella Erythropus Ruby Red Club Moss - Aquascape Room

More Terrarium mosses

Selaginella Uncinata