Habitat and Ecology
​Huperzia phlegmaria, commonly known as the Common Tassel Fern or Coarse Tassel Fern, is a widely distributed epiphytic lycophyte native across the Tropical and Subtropical Old World, spanning from Africa (Madagascar, Cameroon) through Asia (India, China, Philippines, Borneo) to Australasia (Queensland). It is typically found growing on tree trunks and moss-covered branches in moist rainforests and complex vine forests, from lowlands up to 1,700 metres. This primitive vascular plant relies on high humidity and consistent moisture from rainfall and mist, thriving in deeply shaded forest understories.
​Description
​This striking plant is an evergreen perennial that forms dramatic, pendent, arching, and trailing stems which can reach 60-80 cm in length, creating a dense, green curtain. The stems are relatively coarse and bifurcate (fork) repeatedly. The foliage consists of numerous small, scale-like, lanceolate leaves that are arranged in a dense spiral or whorl along the stem axis. The leaves are coriaceous (leathery), and the whole plant has a distinctive, tassel-like or rope-like appearance. The fertile (spore-bearing) sections of the stem are sharply differentiated, becoming more club-shaped and squarish in cross-section, with tiny, overlapping sporophylls that give the end of the stem a knobbly, club-like tassel. It reproduces by spores, not flowers.
​Cultivation
​Huperzia phlegmaria is best grown as a hanging specimen in a warm, highly humid environment, such as a large terrarium or greenhouse in the UK. It requires bright, indirect light or semi-shade; too much direct sun will scorch the leaves and cause the plant to dry out rapidly. As an epiphyte, it must be grown mounted on cork/tree fern or potted in an extremely porous, moisture-retaining, soilless medium (pure sphagnum moss, fine bark, and perlite). The medium must be kept consistently moist—it is intolerant of drying out—but requires perfect drainage and good air circulation to drain.
Unique Features
​This lycophyte is highly sought after by collectors of exotic foliage for its dramatic, long, pendent, and highly textural tassel-like stems, which form an architectural green curtain. As a botanical 'living fossil' belonging to one of the oldest lineages of vascular plants, it holds significant evolutionary appeal. Its ability to create a dense, hanging display of unique texture makes it a stunning focal point in any tropical collection.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: medium sized plants contain over 20 tassels over 40 cm long and large contain 45+.
​Plant Family: Lycopodiaceae (or Phlegmariuraceae)
​Plant Passport: A Huperzia phlegmaria B 140084 C [user input] D GB