Peacock Spikemoss care guide
Selaginella uncinata · Selaginellaceae
Peacock Spikemoss (Selaginella uncinata) is a terrarium plant. It belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. It is native to Central & southern China, Myanmar and northern Vietnam. It needs low to deep shade light. Water temperature: 10°C – 27°C. pH: 6.0 – 8.0. Care difficulty: Easy. Growth rate: fast.
How do you care for Peacock Spikemoss?
| Light | Low to Deep Shade (the blue sheen shows best in shade; direct sun scorches) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Likes high humidity, but constantly moist soil matters most |
| Temperature | 10°C – 27°C |
| pH | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Placement | Moist floor carpet, base of rock cliffs |
| Growth | Fast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Peacock Spikemoss?
Trim runners that spread over neighbours; the cut pieces can be replanted. Propagate by division or by laying stem cuttings on moist substrate.
What problems affect Peacock Spikemoss?
Bleached or crisped fronds from direct sun; fronds curl and brown when the soil or air dries out; chewed fronds from slugs and snails.
How do you fix Peacock Spikemoss problems?
Keep it shaded with constantly moist soil and decent humidity; remove slugs and snails and check new plants. A sealed vessel is not required — it is grown outdoors as a groundcover down to about USDA zone 6.
Where does Peacock Spikemoss come from?
Central & southern China, Myanmar and northern Vietnam (introduced in Taiwan, Japan, India, the Philippines and the south-eastern USA)
What should you know before buying Peacock Spikemoss?
Naturalised in the south-eastern USA (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi), Japan, Taiwan, India and the Philippines — do not plant out or dump it outdoors.
Sources
- Selaginella uncinata distributions (World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Kew — same data as POWO) — GBIF / WCVP
- Selaginella uncinata — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Selaginella uncinata — Wikipedia
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Peacock Spikemoss?
See Peacock Spikemoss in a living world
- Ancient Zen Pagoda & Bridge — terrarium
- Cloud Forest Mossarium — terrarium
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides