Selaginella cf. alligans

• Origin: Philippines, Sulawesi
  
• Care: Easy / Medium / Advanced
• Suitable as a houseplant?: Yes / Limited / No
• Suitable locations: Terrarium
  
• Special features: Easy climbing species. Grows large.

[porto_content_box border_top_color="#1e764d" border_radius="2" border_top_width="2" align="left"]

[expand Title=" Details about the plant "]

In a revision by Zhou and Zang (2023), the large and highly diverse genus Selaginella was split into several genera. According to this revision, the new name for this plant is now Chuselaginella alligans . We will continue to use the old name for the time being, until the new names are confirmed by other authors.

This Selaginella originates from the Philippines and Sulawesi. However, we are not entirely certain of its species identification. Our mother plants are not yet large enough to produce strobili (spore-bearing structures) and spores, which would allow for definitive identification of Selaginella . We will update this page as soon as we can confidently identify the species!

In appearance, this species resembles Selaginella alligans . It is widespread in the Philippines. As young plants, they are rather unremarkable, but once they reach a size of about 30 cm, they exhibit a unique, climbing habit . The rather thin main stem attaches itself tightly to a substrate (e.g., mossy tree trunks or damp rocks) with its roots and produces fronds approximately 30 to 50 cm long.

This species grows in very humid cloud forests at altitudes of 500 to 1500 meters and therefore tolerates somewhat cooler temperatures well. In our experience, however, it is also insensitive to temperatures of 30°C or higher. Generally, it grows quite quickly and is very easy to care for in a terrarium.

[/expand]

[/porto_content_box]



You will receive a well-rooted cutting in a 7cm pot. The young plants still show upright growth and not the typical climbing habit.

Please note: The small twigs of this species break very easily. Even with very good packaging, some pieces will likely break off after shipping. Unfortunately, this cannot be prevented, but it doesn't significantly harm the plant. After an acclimatization period, this species continues to grow quite quickly. Such damage is not grounds for a complaint.