Electric ferns are rainforest plants of the genus Selaginella. There are about 700 varieties of Selaginella plants which are often referred to as spike moss or arborvitae ferns. These plants are very diverse in their size and in the ways they grow.
Selaginella plants can be found growing wild in tropical America, Asia, China, Japan, North America, Mexico, South Africa and Australia. Selaginella, depending upon the variety, may be a creeping, climbing, or trailing plant. Selanginella is a non-poisonous houseplant.
Keep the soil moist but never soggy and avoid using cold water. A Selaginella plant becomes totally dormant and the leaves roll into tight little brown balls when there is no moisture. Once the Selaginella is watered, it turns green and starts to grow again.
Light requirements depend upon the variety of Selaginella. Bright indirect light indoors, partial shade outdoors is usually a good idea for most Selaginella varieties.
A Selaginella plant needs very little plant food. Feed twice a year, once in April and once in July, with a water soluble fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended strength. Do not fertilize newly potted Selaginella plants for at least two months.
