Habitat and Ecology
 
​Huperzia squarrosa, commonly known as the Rock Tassel Fern or Queensland Tassel Fern, is a dramatic epiphytic or lithophytic lycophyte (primitive vascular plant) with a pantropical distribution spanning the West Indian Ocean, Tropical Asia, and the Western Pacific (including Queensland, Australia, and the Philippines). It grows on moss-covered tree trunks, large branches, or rocks in lowland swamps and rainforests near watercourses, often at elevations up to 1,000 metres. This species thrives in hot, wet, and deeply shaded conditions, relying on constant moisture and high humidity, which makes it intolerant of drying out.
 
​Description
 
​This striking plant is an evergreen perennial that forms large, dense, tufted clumps of long, highly branched, pendent stems that can cascade up to 60-75 cm (2-2.5 feet) in length. Its appearance is often described as resembling a green, fluffy "pipe cleaner" or tassel. The stems are densely covered in minute, linear to lance-shaped leaves that are spreading (squarrose) and arranged spirally. The foliage is a pale, fresh green to yellowish-green colour. Its primitive nature is highlighted by the way the fertile (spore-bearing) regions gradually transition from the sterile leaves, forming a dense, club-like tassel at the branch tips. It reproduces via spores, with the stems regularly bifurcating (forking) to create a highly symmetrical and architectural structure.
 
​Cultivation
 
​Huperzia squarrosa is a dedicated warm-growing species that requires stable, very high humidity, making it essential to grow in a greenhouse, vivarium, or highly humid cabinet in the UK. It requires bright, indirect light or semi-shade; deep shade may slow growth, but direct sun is highly detrimental and causes scorching. As an epiphyte, it is best mounted on cork bark or grown in a shallow container using a highly porous, moisture-retentive, soilless medium (pure long-fibre sphagnum moss or an orchid mix containing fine bark). The medium must be kept consistently moist at all times; never allow it to dry out.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-30 C (70-86 F)
​Minimum Temperature: Must be kept above 15 C (59 F); cold shock is easily fatal.
 
​High humidity (70-90%) and excellent air circulation are mandatory to prevent rot in its constantly damp conditions. Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, dilute liquid feed.
 
​Unique Features
 
​This lycophyte is a spectacular collector's plant famed for its dramatic, long, cascading, tassel-like stems which give it an exotic, almost prehistoric beauty, making it an excellent hanging feature plant. Its classification as a "living fossil" adds significant appeal. Its unique, squarrose (spreading) leaves densely packed on the stems create a wonderfully fuzzy texture unlike that of most other foliage plants.
 
​Specifications
​Plant Size: plants with 2-3 branching stems
​Plant Family: Lycopodiaceae (or Phlegmariuraceae)
​Plant Passport: A Huperzia squarrosa B 140084 C [user input] D GB