Selaginella erythropus ‘Ruby Red’
Family: Selaginellaceae
Type: Tropical creeping groundcover
Environment: Terrarium / Paludarium / High-humidity indoor setups
Description:
Selaginella erythropus ‘Ruby Red’ is a striking tropical groundcover known for its dramatic color contrast. Its foliage presents a lush, velvety green on the upper surface, while the underside of the leaves and stems reveal a rich deep ruby-red, creating a bold yet elegant visual impact. This contrast becomes especially vivid under terrarium lighting.
Growth Habit:
A creeping and spreading plant that forms dense mats over time. In stable humidity, growth becomes fuller and more compact, adding depth and texture to naturalistic vivarium landscapes.
Ideal Conditions:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light. It does not tolerate strong direct sunlight.
- Humidity: Very high (80–100%). Performs best in closed terrariums and paludariums.
- Water: Keep substrate consistently moist, never dry. Avoid waterlogging.
- Temperature: Warm (20–26°C), stable conditions preferred.
Care Notes:
This plant is humidity-dependent. Dry air or fluctuating moisture will cause browning or shrinking. It thrives in bioactive terrariums with living soil life and stable moisture cycles.
Recommended Uses:
- Forest-style terrariums (floor layer)
- Paludarium edges and moist land zones
- Vivariums with amphibians or humidity-loving reptiles
- Naturalistic groundcover & texture builder in planted enclosures
