Contents
Description
Selaginella Uncinata, also known as the peacock spikemoss, is a beautiful and unique plant that belongs to the family Selaginellaceae. This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where it grows in moist and shady areas such as forests, cliffs, and riverbanks. Selaginella Uncinata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 15 centimeters in height and 30 centimeters in width. It has a creeping habit and produces dark green, needle-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The leaves have a velvety texture and are arranged in a way that resembles the feathers of a peacock, hence the plant’s common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order | Selaginellales |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus | Selaginella |
Appearance
Selaginella Uncinata is a visually stunning plant that makes a great addition to any indoor garden. The plant has a creeping habit and produces dark green, needle-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The leaves have a velvety texture and are arranged in a way that resembles the feathers of a peacock, hence the plant’s common name. Selaginella Uncinata can grow up to 15 centimeters in height and 30 centimeters in width, making it a great option for small to medium-sized pots. This plant is also non-flowering, so you don’t have to worry about any messy blooms.
Care Guide
If you’re considering adding Selaginella Uncinata to your indoor garden, it’s important to understand the plant’s care requirements. Here are some tips to help you keep your peacock spikemoss healthy and thriving:- Water: Selaginella Uncinata prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: This plant doesn’t require fertilization, but you can give it a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.- Soil: Selaginella Uncinata prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create the perfect soil for this plant.- Sunlight: This plant prefers bright, indirect light, so make sure to place it in a spot where it can get plenty of light without being exposed to direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Selaginella Uncinata is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, so if you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to keep it indoors during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
Selaginella Uncinata is generally a healthy and hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant and cause discoloration and wilting. You can control spider mites by regularly misting the plant and using a neem oil spray.- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that can infest the plant and cause damage. You can control mealybugs by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, make sure to water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Habitat
Selaginella Uncinata is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where it grows in moist and shady areas such as forests, cliffs, and riverbanks. The plant prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter, and it thrives in bright, indirect light. Selaginella Uncinata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 15 centimeters in height and 30 centimeters in width, making it a great option for small to medium-sized pots.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Selaginella Uncinata toxic to pets?
A: There’s no evidence to suggest that Selaginella Uncinata is toxic to pets, but it’s always a good idea to keep your plants out of reach of curious pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Q: Can Selaginella Uncinata be grown outdoors?
A: Selaginella Uncinata is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, so it can be grown outdoors in these regions as a ground cover or in a container.
Q: How often should I water my Selaginella Uncinata?
A: Selaginella Uncinata prefers moist soil, so you should water it regularly. However, make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
Q: How can I propagate Selaginella Uncinata?
A: Selaginella Uncinata can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or moist soil. Make sure to keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location to encourage root growth.
Related Plants
– Selaginella Brauneana- Selaginella Martensii- Selaginella Wildenowii- Selaginella Kraussiana
References
– “Peacock Spikemoss (Selaginella Uncinata).” World of Succulents, https://worldofsucculents.com/peacock-spikemoss-selaginella-uncinata/.- “Selaginella Uncinata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c267.- “Selaginella Uncinata.” The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/selaginella-uncinata-care-4778376.
