Description
Selaginella sp. ‘Senegalina’ – unusual white-tipped spike moss for vivariums and terrariums
Selaginella sp. ‘Senegalina’ is a particularly interesting spike moss and one that stands out straight away from more common forms. One of its most eye-catching features is the white to very pale growing tips, which give the plant a fresh, highlighted appearance that is not often seen in other spike mosses.
As it matures, this plant can form dense, textural clumps, but it is equally attractive when allowed to trail and spill naturally over wood, ledges, backgrounds, or planting pockets. In the right lighting conditions, the foliage can also show subtle flashes of blue iridescence, giving it extra depth and interest in a well-planted enclosure.
Unlike very soft or floppy moss-like plants, this form has a reasonably solid, slightly woody structure, which helps it hold its shape well and makes it useful for adding both texture and movement to a tropical setup.
Why choose Selaginella ‘Senegalina’?
- Unusual pale white growing tips rarely seen on comparable spike mosses
- Clumping and trailing growth habit for a more natural, layered look
- Subtle blue iridescence in suitable light
- Structured, slightly woody growth with good visual presence
- Excellent for vivariums, terrariums, and high-humidity plant displays
Ideal use in a vivarium or terrarium
This plant works especially well in tropical and high-humidity enclosures where you want a planting scheme to feel more mature and natural. It can be used to soften hard edges, trail from cork bark, creep across elevated planting areas, or build up textured clusters among other tropical plants.
Because it both forms clumps and extends outward, it can be used in several positions within the same enclosure. It looks particularly effective when planted where the pale new growth can catch the light and contrast against darker greens.
Care guide
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity
- Watering: Keep moist but avoid stagnant, waterlogged conditions
- Lighting: Bright indirect to moderate terrarium lighting
- Growth habit: Clumping, creeping, and trailing
- Best use: Tropical terrariums, vivariums, bioactive displays, humid cabinets
Frogfather notes
If you are after a spike moss that offers something a bit different, this is a very good choice. The white tips are a real feature and help this plant stand out even before you notice the occasional blue sheen. It brings a slightly more architectural look than softer mosses, while still fitting beautifully into lush, naturalistic planting schemes.
It is a great option for anyone building a planted vivarium and wanting a plant that can both fill space and cascade naturally as the enclosure matures.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Selaginella ‘Senegalina’ unusual?
The standout feature is its pale white or creamy growing tips, which are not commonly seen in many other spike mosses. It can also show subtle blue flashes in the right light.
Does it grow upright or trail?
It does both. This plant can form compact clumps while also sending out growth that trails over edges and hardscape, making it very versatile in planted setups.
Is it suitable for vivariums?
Yes, it is very well suited to humid vivariums and terrariums, especially tropical or bioactive-style enclosures with stable moisture and airflow.
Does it really show blue colouration?
Yes, under the right lighting conditions the foliage can show subtle blue iridescence. This effect is usually more noticeable from certain angles and under good quality light.
Is it a true moss?
No. Although commonly grouped with moss-like plants in the hobby, Selaginella is a spike moss and has a different structure and growth habit from true mosses.
Where should I place it in my enclosure?
It works well in planting pockets, around wood, near elevated backgrounds, or in areas where it can trail gently. Positioning it somewhere visible helps show off the white new growth.
