Selaginella Willdenowii
$99.00
Out of stock
An Iridescent Mirage of the Tropical Mist
Step into a world of electric enchantment with the Selaginella willdenowii, a breathtaking and rare "spikemoss" that appears to have been pulled from a neon-lit dream. Often referred to as the "Peacock Fern," this prehistoric treasure is world-renowned for its extraordinary optical phenomenon—a mesmerizing, cobalt-blue iridescence that shimmers across its delicate, lace-like fronds. Under the right light, the foliage glows with a brilliant, metallic blue-green sheen that feels almost otherworldly, contrasting beautifully against its deeper, emerald-green base. It is a must-have for the collector who seeks a botanical wonder that balances ancient, fern-like grace with a futuristic, high-definition glow.
Beyond its captivating light-play, the Peacock Selaginella serves as a living tapestry of refined elegance, perfect for the misty confines of a curated terrarium or a high-humidity greenhouse. Its sprawling, multi-branched habit creates a lush, layered look that mimics the dense, humid undergrowth of its native Southeast Asian jungles. For the enthusiast seeking a rare gem that is as visually dynamic as it is historically fascinating, this species offers an exclusive chance to own a true masterpiece of natural physics. Bring home the Selaginella willdenowii and let its shimmering blue canopy transform your collection into a sanctuary of ethereal, tropical mystery.
Growth Habit: A vigorous and climbing perennial that exhibits a much larger and more expansive habit than its creeping relatives. Known for its "frond-like" branches, the willdenowii can be grown as a lush, spreading groundcover or encouraged to lean against supports to showcase its layered, fan-shaped foliage. Its ability to form a dense, shimmering thicket makes it a premier choice for adding depth and texture to large-scale terrariums or vivariums.
Exotic Foliage: This species is prized for its structural complexity and electric color. The thin, feathery leaves are arranged in a precise, geometric fashion, but it is the surface of the leaves that steals the show. A natural "structural color" creates a vivid cobalt-blue iridescence—a protective adaptation to capture low-intensity light—resulting in a plant that shifts from deep green to metallic blue as the viewing angle changes.
Light & Color: To maximize its signature blue shimmer, the Selaginella willdenowii thrives in bright to medium, indirect light. The iridescence is a response to low-light environments, yet the plant needs enough filtered light to maintain its vigorous growth. Direct sun is highly detrimental, as it will quickly "bleach" the delicate blue pigments and shrivel the thin, lace-like fronds.
Care & Maintenance: This is a high-humidity obligate that demands constant levels of 75% or higher to prevent its foliage from turning brittle and brown. It is a "moisture-loving" species that prefers a substrate that stays consistently damp—though never saturated—to mimic the perpetual dampness of the jungle floor. It flourishes in a well-aerated, moisture-retentive medium like long-fiber sphagnum moss or an orchid-bark/peat blend. To maintain its pristine metallic sheen, always use distilled or rainwater, as it is highly sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water.
Safety Note: Like other members of the Selaginella family, the willdenowii is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, because of its large, fragile fronds and extreme humidity requirements, it is best displayed in a protected environment like a large glass case or greenhouse. This ensures the stable climate necessary for its iridescent beauty to thrive while keeping it safe from physical damage.
