Habitat:
Selaginella concinna is native to tropical and subtropical parts of Southeast Asia, including southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan), Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. It typically grows in shaded, humid environments such as forest floors, rock faces, or moist cliff ledges at elevations ranging from 200 to 1600 metres. It favours mossy habitats in evergreen broad-leaved forests, often in areas with high rainfall and little direct sunlight, where it forms low, spreading mats over soil, stones, or decaying wood.
Description:
Selaginella concinna is a small, creeping or ascending lycophyte forming dense, moss-like mats. The stems are slender, branching irregularly, and grow 5–15 cm long. Leaves are dimorphic: lateral leaves are ovate to broadly ovate, 1–1.5 mm long, overlapping and flattened, with finely serrate margins; median leaves are smaller, more erect, and narrowly lanceolate. The texture is soft and fern-like, and the plant often has a glaucous or slightly bluish-green tint when healthy. Its stoloniferous habit allows it to spread across surfaces, anchoring via fine rootlets. This species is closely allied with Selaginella uncinata and Selaginella involvens, but it is more diminutive and compact, with shorter, more rounded lateral leaves.
Cultivation:
Selaginella concinna thrives in low to medium light and high humidity. Ideal daytime temperatures range from 18–26°C, with nighttime temperatures between 12–18°C. The species requires consistently moist, well-draining soil, ideally rich in organic matter such as peat and leaf mould. Maintain humidity above 70%, and avoid letting the substrate dry out. A slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is preferred. It performs well in terrariums or enclosed environments with stable moisture. Fertilize monthly during active growth with a diluted, balanced liquid feed. Airflow should be gentle but sufficient to prevent fungal buildup.
Specifications:
Plant Size:
Plant Family: Selaginellaceae
Plant Passport: Selaginella concinna B 140084 C [user input] D GB