Selaginella Uncinata

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Blue Spikemoss; Rainbow Fern; Peacock Fern; Rainbow Moss; Blue Spike Moss

Synonyms

Lycopodium uncinatum

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Southern China, Vietnam

Habitat

Shaded, humid forest floors and damp rocky areas in subtropical woodland, often near streams

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Carpeting

Max height

2 – 4 in (5.1 – 10 cm)

Spread

18 in (46 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Foreground, Carpet

Water

Temperature

65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C)

Humidity

70 – 90%

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Blue, Green, Teal

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Finely divided fronds carry a metallic blue-green sheen that shifts to iridescent under low, indirect light, forming a low creeping mat across substrate and cork bark. It demands constant moisture and high humidity, thriving in closed terrariums and paludariums above the waterline rather than open tanks. Easy to propagate from stem cuttings laid across damp ground.

Care

Peacock moss is not a true moss but a spikemoss, or fern ally, that forms a low creeping mat of finely divided fronds with a metallic blue-green sheen. It needs constant moisture and very high humidity to grow well, making it best suited to closed or mostly closed terrariums and paludariums rather than open tanks or dry room air. Light should be kept low to moderate and indirect, since direct sun quickly scorches the foliage and washes out the iridescent color. Temperatures in the mid 60s to upper 70s Fahrenheit suit it well, with growth slowing noticeably below 55°F.

Planting & trimming

Lay short stem cuttings directly across constantly moist substrate rather than burying them, since the plant roots naturally at nodes where stems touch damp ground. It spreads readily over soil, leaf litter, or the base of cork bark and rock work in a humid enclosure, gradually knitting into a dense mat. Bottom watering or misting is preferable to overhead soaking, which can encourage rot within the dense foliage.

Fertilizing

In terrarium or paludarium settings this plant draws most of what it needs from a rich, organic substrate such as coco fiber, leaf litter, or bioactive soil mixes rather than dosed liquid fertilizer. A light dusting of diluted general houseplant fertilizer during active growth can help if fronds look pale or thin, but heavy feeding is rarely necessary. Outdoor or greenhouse specimens grown in pots benefit from monthly feeding through the warmer months.

Propagation

Propagation is done by division of established clumps or by taking stem cuttings and laying them across moist substrate, where they root readily at the nodes within a few weeks. Spores are produced in terminal spike-like structures but division and cuttings are far more practical and reliable for hobbyist propagation.

Problems

The clearest sign of stress is loss of the blue iridescence, which fades quickly when humidity drops or light becomes too strong. Crisp, browning stems indicate the plant has dried out, a condition it rarely recovers from once advanced, while yellow or mushy stems point to waterlogging or poor air circulation. Because it has no tolerance for full submersion, care must be taken to keep it above the waterline in paludarium builds.

Sources

1. Selaginella uncinata (Peacock Moss) - NC State Extension
2. Peacock Spikemoss (Selaginella uncinata): Terrarium Care Guide
3. Selaginella uncinata | peacock moss - RHS
4. Peacock Fern - Indigo Reptile Company

More Terrarium Mosses

Selaginella Erythropus Ruby Red Club Moss