Selaginella Erythropus
$8.00
A Crimson Shadow from the Jungle Floor
Step into a world of dramatic contrasts with the Selaginella erythropus, a rare and mesmerizing "spikemoss" that brings a fiery, gothic elegance to the botanical world. At first glance, this prehistoric treasure appears as a lush, fan-shaped canopy of deep emerald green; however, a subtle shift in perspective reveals its true secret—a brilliant, ruby-red underside that glows with an intense, sunset-like radiance. This "bicolor" phenomenon creates a stunning visual depth, where the cool green of the forest meets a warm, hidden fire. Compact, intricate, and undeniably exotic, it is a must-have for the collector who prizes texture and a sophisticated, moody palette.
Beyond its striking appearance, the Red-Stemmed Selaginella is a masterpiece of prehistoric design, perfectly suited for the intimate setting of a misty terrarium or a shaded plant gallery. Its fern-like, feathery fronds and vibrant crimson stems provide a unique architectural texture that thrives in the humid undergrowth. For the enthusiast seeking a specimen that feels like a living relic from a lost world, this variety offers an exclusive opportunity to own a plant that balances ancient resilience with a modern, high-contrast charm. Invite the Selaginella erythropus into your sanctuary and let its ruby-backed leaves transform your collection into a gallery of refined, tropical mystery.
Growth Habit (How it Grows): This is a unique "Spikemoss" that looks like a miniature, colorful fern. It grows upright with small, feathery branches that fan out. It usually stays under 6 inches tall, making it a perfect little "bush" for the middle of a terrarium or a small decorative pot.
Exotic Foliage (The Leaves): This plant is famous for its secret colors. While the top of the leaves is a lush, dark green, the undersides of the leaves and the stems are a brilliant ruby red. This creates a beautiful contrast—it looks like a green plant with a "red velvet" lining.
Light & Color: This plant loves medium, indirect light. To keep the red color on the bottom of the leaves bright and the green on top deep and healthy, it needs soft light (like the light in a forest). Keep it out of the direct sun, as the heat will dry out its delicate, feathery branches.
Care & Maintenance: This is a "humidity-loving" plant that never wants to dry out. You must keep the soil damp like a squeezed sponge at all times. It is happiest in a humid room, a bathroom with a window, or inside a glass terrarium. If the air gets too dry, the leaves will curl up and turn brown.
Safety Note (Important): This plant is generally considered non-toxic and safe for pets. However, it is very sensitive to chemicals. It is best to water it with bottled water or rainwater, as the chlorine in tap water can sometimes be too harsh for its tiny, delicate leaves.
