Phlegmariurus eversus

This tropical clubmoss originates from the South American Andes, primarily in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. There, it grows at altitudes of 2800 to 3800 meters on the Altiplano plateau in swampy areas and at the edges of cloud forests. It appears to always grow alongside sphagnum moss in permanently moist, nutrient-poor locations. It reaches a height of about 20 cm, but the stems can grow much deeper in the sphagnum and reach up to 1 meter in length.

The small, needle-like microphylls are only about 2 to 4 mm long and less than 1 mm wide. The individual stems are about 5 to 7 mm thick. In very bright light, they become even more compact than shown here, and the entire plant looks like a fir branch stuck in the ground. This appearance is the origin of their (English) name: "Firmoss," meaning "spruce moss." However, Phlegmariurus are not mosses (and certainly not conifers) but spore-bearing plants related to ferns. Somewhat better known in terrariums are the tropical, epiphytic representatives, such as Huperzia nummulariifolia .

The upright-growing specimens from the highlands of South America are absolute rarities, almost never offered for sale. Most are considered impossible to cultivate. However, Phlegmariurus eversus is apparently quite easy to care for, although it is very slow-growing. This plant is a true highland species that does not tolerate warm temperatures well in the long term. Those who already have experience with, and a suitable setup for, highland plants can confidently purchase this specimen!



You will receive a young plant with several stems in a 6cm pot, approximately 5cm tall. It comes with live, red sphagnum moss ( S. rubellum ) in the pot.

This species unfortunately grows very slowly, which is why the young plants offered are still small and delicate!