Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red' Club Moss
Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red', commonly known as Ruby Red Club Moss, is a striking ornamental plant prized for its vibrant ruby-red undersides and lush green foliage. Its unique coloration and delicate, fern-like appearance make it a popular choice for terrariums, paludariums, vivariums, and other high-humidity displays. When viewed from different angles, the contrasting green upper leaves and rich burgundy-red undersides create a dramatic visual effect unlike almost any other plant.
Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, Ruby Red Club Moss thrives in warm, humid environments with consistently moist soil and indirect lighting. Its creeping growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, creating a lush carpet beneath larger tropical plants while adding texture and vibrant color to naturalistic displays.
Important Note: While Ruby Red Club Moss is frequently sold alongside aquarium plants, it is not a true aquatic plantand should not be fully submerged for long periods. It performs best as an emergent plant with its roots kept moist in paludariums, ripariums, terrariums, or around the edges of aquariums where the foliage remains above the waterline.
This easy-to-grow plant appreciates consistently high humidity and regular moisture but should not be allowed to dry out. Under the right conditions, it forms a dense, attractive mat that brings a tropical rainforest feel to any setup.
Scientific Name: Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red'
Care Level: Easy
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Placement: Terrariums, Paludariums, Ripariums, Emergent Aquarium Displays
CO₂: Not Required
Propagation: Division or Stem Cuttings
Plant Type: Tropical Club Moss (Not Fully Aquatic)
If you're looking for a unique tropical plant with incredible color and texture, Selaginella erythropus 'Ruby Red' is an outstanding choice. Its vivid ruby undersides, lush growth, and versatility make it a beautiful addition to paludariums, terrariums, and other humid planted displays.
