Rainbow Moss Selaginella Peacock Uncinata Live Starter Plant

Overview

The Rainbow Moss live plant, scientifically known as Selaginella Peacock Uncinata, is a truly captivating specimen renowned for its iridescent, peacock-blue-green foliage. This unique plant is not a true moss but a type of spikemoss, belonging to the Selaginellaceae family. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it thrives in humid environments, making it an excellent choice for terrariums, vivariums, or as an underplanting in shaded indoor gardens. The shimmering quality of its leaves, especially when viewed in certain light conditions, gives it the common name Peacock Spikemoss. This starter plant offers an opportunity to cultivate a distinctive and eye-catching addition to your collection, bringing a vibrant splash of color and texture that is sure to draw admiration. Its delicate yet striking appearance makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary.

This particular offering is for a live starter plant, ready to be nurtured and grown into a lush display. The Rainbow Moss live plant is cherished for its low-growing, spreading habit, creating a carpet of shimmering greenery. Its unique coloration is a result of light refraction, giving the plant a dynamic and ever-changing appearance. Perfect for adding a touch of exotic beauty, the Peacock Spikemoss is a relatively easy plant to care for once its basic needs for humidity and consistent moisture are met.

Key Benefits

Adding the Rainbow Moss live plant to your collection offers several unique advantages, enhancing both your living space and your gardening experience.

• Unique Iridescent Foliage: The most striking feature of this plant is its shimmering, blue-green leaves that reflect light like a peacock’s feathers. This vibrant, ever-changing color makes it a fascinating focal point in any setting.
• Excellent for Terrariums: Its love for high humidity and compact growth habit make the Selaginella Peacock Uncinata an ideal candidate for enclosed environments such as terrariums, where it can truly flourish.
• Adds Texture and Color: Beyond its unique color, the delicate, fern-like texture of the Peacock Spikemoss adds a soft yet intricate dimension to plant arrangements, contrasting beautifully with other foliage.
• Low-Growing Groundcover: When used in larger indoor planters or shaded outdoor areas (in appropriate climates), it forms a dense, beautiful groundcover, preventing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
• Air Purification: Like many plants, the Rainbow Moss live plant contributes to air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
• Relatively Easy Care: Once its specific needs for humidity and moisture are understood, this plant requires minimal effort, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant parents.
• Visual Interest: The dynamic play of light on its iridescent leaves provides constant visual interest, making it a conversation starter and a source of natural beauty.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Rainbow Moss live plant, or Selaginella Peacock Uncinata, involves understanding its preference for high humidity and consistent moisture. This plant thrives in conditions that mimic its tropical origins. For sunlight, it prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage, causing it to brown and crisp. An east-facing window or a shaded spot outdoors in a warm climate would be ideal. If growing indoors, consider placing it a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, or use sheer curtains to diffuse the light. Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial. You can achieve this by misting the plant regularly, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier. For terrariums, the enclosed environment naturally provides the high humidity it needs.

Watering should be consistent to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. The Peacock Spikemoss does not tolerate drying out, which can quickly lead to irreversible damage. Check the soil moisture daily, and water when the top inch feels slightly dry to the touch. Use well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture, such as a peat-based mix with perlite. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid fertilizer, about half the recommended strength, once a month. Over-fertilization can harm the plant. Watch out for common pests like spider mites, which can appear in dry conditions. Regular misting helps deter them. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency, while browning tips often signal low humidity or underwatering. Adjust your care routine accordingly to ensure your Rainbow Moss live plant thrives.

Size & Details

This offering is for a Rainbow Moss live plant, provided as a starter plant. It will arrive as a small, healthy specimen, typically grown in a 2-inch nursery pot, ready for transplanting into its permanent home. The size can vary slightly depending on growth, but it is generally a compact plant, perfect for establishing in terrariums, small pots, or as a groundcover. When mature, Selaginella Peacock Uncinata typically forms a low, spreading mat, reaching a height of only 2-6 inches, but can spread horizontally up to 12-18 inches over time, given optimal conditions. Its growth rate is moderate, allowing you to enjoy its development without it quickly outgrowing its space. The plant is shipped with some soil around its roots to ensure it remains hydrated during transit. Expect to receive a vibrant and healthy Peacock Spikemoss ready to bring its unique beauty to your environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Rainbow Moss live plant is a low-growing species, typically reaching a height of 2-6 inches. It can spread horizontally up to 12-18 inches, forming a lush, iridescent carpet.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While it can thrive outdoors in very warm, humid, and shaded climates (USDA zones 9-11), it is most commonly grown as an indoor plant, especially popular for terrariums due to its humidity requirements.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Selaginella Peacock Uncinata prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its delicate leaves. Shaded outdoor spots or indoor locations away from direct windows are ideal.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: It is considered moderately easy to care for. Its primary requirements are consistent moisture and high humidity, which can be easily maintained in a terrarium or with regular misting.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Rainbow Moss live plant will arrive as a healthy starter plant, carefully packaged to ensure minimal stress during transit. It will be rooted in soil, ready for you to transplant.
• Q: How often should I water my Peacock Spikemoss? A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil daily and water when the top inch feels slightly dry. It does not tolerate drying out.
• Q: Can I use the Rainbow Moss live plant in a closed terrarium? A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for closed terrariums. The enclosed environment provides the high humidity that this Peacock Spikemoss plant absolutely loves and needs to thrive.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for Selaginella Peacock Uncinata? A: A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix is best. A peat-based mix with added perlite or sphagnum moss works well to provide both drainage and humidity retention.
• Q: What are the ideal temperatures for this plant? A: The Rainbow Moss live plant prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Protect it from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Q: Is this plant pet-safe? A: While generally considered non-toxic, it’s always best to keep plants away from curious pets. If ingestion is a concern, consult with a veterinarian.