Selaginella uncinata (Peacock Moss) - rainbow fern
Selaginella uncinata, commonly known as Peacock Moss, is a small, trailing plant prized for its iridescent color: deep green with metallic blue-turquoise or violet reflections, depending on the light. It belongs to the family of primitive ferns and is a high-humidity plant, ideal for terrariums, tropical displays, mini planters, or as ground cover in shady spaces.
Its common name derives from its iridescent blue foliage, which may be more pronounced in low-light conditions.
The plant has fern-like foliage, but is classified as a "moss" because of its terrestrial growth and spreading habit.
✅ Botanical characteristics:
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Family: Selaginellaceae
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Plant type: small perennial with a trailing growth habit
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Foliage: fine, scale-like, iridescent green with blue reflections, moss-like
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Growth: low-growing, spreading, densely covering
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Flowering: does not flower – ornamental exclusively for its foliage
🌿 Growing conditions:
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Light: prefers partial shade or indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
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Humidity: very high – ideal for closed terrariums or mini greenhouses
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Optimal temperature: 18–26°C
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Watering: consistent, keeping the substrate constantly moist but well drained
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Substrate: slightly acidic, rich in organic matter, constantly moist (but not waterlogged)
🌱 Benefits and uses:
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An excellent plant for terrariums, alongside mosses, ferns, and other miniature tropical plants
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Foliage with a unique visual effect, in rare metallic shades
📌 Note: Selaginella uncinata is a delicate plant, prized for its blue-green iridescent foliage. Due to its sensitivity, the leaves may show aesthetic imperfections, slightly dry or damaged areas resulting from handling, transport, or adaptation to new environmental conditions. In addition, each specimen may naturally be fuller or more open, depending on its growth rate and stage of development. These aspects are normal and do not affect the plant's health, viability, or development
The foliage color may vary significantly depending on light, humidity, and growing conditions. Selaginella uncinata may display shades of green, blue-turquoise, bronze, reddish, or violet, and the intensity of the iridescent reflections also changes depending on the angle of the light. In indirect light and high humidity, new growth tends to show the blue-green tones more clearly.
The decorative pot is not included in the price.