Blue Selaginella

Blue Selaginella (Selaginella willdenowii) is a spike moss native to Southeast Asian tropical forests, grown primarily for its extraordinary iridescent blue-green foliage that changes colour with viewing angle due to structural colouration in the leaf cells. It is a paludarium and terrarium plant suited to humid, above-water environments rather than fully submerged conditions. Its cascading growth habit makes it ideal for emergent zones in open aquariums and jungle-style vivaria.

Light: medium light; iridescent blue colour is most vivid under moderate, direct lighting. CO2: beneficial in paludarium above-water zones; high humidity is more important than CO2. Placement: use in emergent zone of paludarium or as a terrarium plant; keep roots moist but not submerged. Trimming: trim growing tips to encourage bushy, lateral growth; can be shaped freely. Growth: moderate; propagate by stem cuttings pressed into moist substrate.