How to Grow Potted Selaginella uncinata? Care Tips and Precautions

Selaginella uncinata, also known as Dragon Whisker, Blue Clubmoss, Green Velvet Moss and so on, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Selaginella in the family Selaginellaceae. It has an elegant form, and its blue-green fluorescence is a delight to the eye. In the south it is an excellent ground cover plant, and it is also suitable for potted ornamental cultivation in the north. Planting it in patches in planting troughs gives even better results, and it is also an ideal material for covering the surface of orchid pots. Let us take a look below at how to grow potted Selaginella uncinata!

Growth Habits of Selaginella uncinata

Selaginella uncinata is native to humus-rich soil under forest in mountain valleys, or among damp shade-loving weeds by streams, as well as inside rock caves, on wet stones or in rock crevices. It prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment. The potting soil should be loose, permeable and rich in humus; it can be mixed from equal parts of leaf mold or peat, loam and plain sand. During the growing period, pay attention to spraying water to maintain high air humidity. Its ideal growth temperature is 10-26°C; in winter the temperature must not fall below 5°C, and during the growing period apply liquid fertilizer once a month.

Propagation Methods for Selaginella uncinata

Cuttings of Selaginella uncinata are very simple and easy to root. Simply choose a shaded, damp spot (artificial shading will also do), keep the soil constantly moist, cut stems and branches of Selaginella uncinata about 10 cm long, and lay them flat on the damp ground. There is no need to bury them in soil; just spray them with water, and they will soon take root and survive. Once established and alive, extensive management is all that is needed. The only slightly higher requirement is for water: it prefers moisture rather than dryness, and after 2-3 months it will grow luxuriantly.

How to Grow Potted Selaginella uncinata?

1. Soil: Selaginella uncinata requires loose, fertile, well-drained soil, with leaf mold being best. For potting, use a loose, permeable, humus-rich mix, which can be made from equal parts of leaf mold or peat, loam and plain sand.

2. Watering: Selaginella uncinata likes moisture. During the growing period, pay attention to spraying water and maintaining high air humidity to keep the leaves fresh and beautiful. Water regularly every day, and often use a sprayer to spray water mist to maintain leaf surface humidity, which helps it grow more vigorously.

3. Fertilizing: Selaginella uncinata is generally fertilized in spring and autumn each year. Spring fertilization can promote earlier greening and reduce damage. The fertilizer should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. To ensure a continuous supply of nutrients, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer should be the main type used.

4. Temperature: Selaginella uncinata likes warmth and grows well at around 20°C. The overwintering temperature is 5°C. The ideal suitable growing temperature is 10-15°C at night and 21-26°C during the day. Special attention should be paid to shading.

5. Light: Selaginella uncinata likes semi-shade. In midsummer, pay attention to shading; it must not be exposed to the sun, otherwise the plant is prone to scorching and death. Be sure to provide shade, as strong light will make its blue-green color disappear and affect its ornamental value.

6. Diseases: When Selaginella uncinata suffers from leaf spot disease, the leaves initially show round black spots, which later expand into round or nearly round spots, and the leaves finally turn black, wither and die. For prevention and control, spray with 50% carbendazim 1000-fold solution, 50% thiophanate-methyl 1000-fold solution, 200-fold Bordeaux mixture or other such agents.