Peacock Moss
Selaginella uncinata
Peacock Moss is a trailing lycophyte from China with feathery blue-green foliage that can shimmer with a metallic look in shade. It forms a low carpet that spills over pot edges or fills terrariums with dense groundcover.
Light
Medium
Water
High
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Selaginella uncinata is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly households.
Care Notes
Light
Give medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun scorches the delicate fronds and can turn the blue sheen dull green or brown.
Water
Keep the substrate consistently moist. This plant has almost no drought tolerance; dry soil can cause collapse. Water often enough to stay damp, but not muddy. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
Use a moisture-retentive peat-based mix with a little perlite or sand. Shallow pots suit its shallow roots.
Humidity and Temperature
Humidity of 70% or higher is essential. Terrariums, Wardian cases, and humid bathrooms are ideal. In open rooms, use a humidifier or frequent misting. Keep temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C), away from cold drafts.
Common Issues
Crispy brown edges usually mean low humidity or dry soil. Loss of blue color often comes from too much light or high heat.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength
Soil
Peat-based, moisture-retentive, and slightly acidic
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3-6 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings or division of the root mass
Common Varieties
No widely recognized commercial cultivars; typically sold as the species Selaginella uncinata.
Trailing feathery fronds of scale-like leaves with a metallic blue iridescence when grown in shade.