Selaginella martensii ‘Variegated’: The Lush, Pet-Safe Fern-Like Plant

If you’re looking for a delicate yet striking plant to bring a touch of tropical greenery into your home, Selaginella martensii ‘Variegated’ is a perfect choice. With its soft, fern-like foliage streaked in creamy white and vibrant green, this plant is compact, trailing, and incredibly versatile. From terrariums and vivariums to hanging baskets and indoor pots, it’s a plant that adds texture, color, and life wherever it’s placed.

Pet and Reptile Safe

One of the biggest advantages of Selaginella martensii ‘Variegated’ is that it’s completely safe for pets and reptiles. Cats, dogs, and small reptiles can share the space without worry, making it ideal for households with curious paws or bioactive terrarium setups. Its non-toxic nature, combined with its tropical appearance, makes it a perfect “worry-free” plant for mixed-use environments.

Indoor Plant Benefits

This Selaginella thrives as an indoor plant thanks to its love for bright, indirect light and consistent humidity. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for decorative pots, shelves, or even cascading from hanging baskets. While it prefers a little more attention in terms of moisture, it rewards care with lush, vibrant growth and striking variegation that stands out in any indoor jungle.

Terrarium and Vivarium Friendly

Selaginella martensii ‘Variegated’ shines in humid environments, making it ideal for terrariums and vivariums. Its soft, dense foliage provides a natural, forest-like ground cover, and its compact growth ensures it won’t take over other plants in the setup. Pair it with mosses, small ferns, or safe tropical plants to create a rich, layered mini-ecosystem.

Air-Purifying Qualities

While Selaginella isn’t one of the heavyweights in air purification, it still contributes to a fresher, more humid indoor environment, especially when grouped with other plants. Its lush foliage helps create a calming, natural aesthetic, adding both visual and environmental benefits to your space.

Selaginella martensii ‘Variegated’ Care Guide

Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain healthy variegation.

• Can tolerate medium light but may grow more slowly or show less vibrant variegation.

• Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its delicate foliage.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

• Overwatering can lead to root rot; underwatering may cause foliage to dry and brown.

• Ideal for terrariums, where humidity helps reduce the need for frequent watering.

Temperature & Humidity

• Thrives in 18–27°C.

• Loves high humidity — misting, pebble trays, or terrarium placement can help.

• Does not tolerate prolonged dry conditions well.

🪴Soil

• Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix.

• A mix of potting soil with added perlite or sphagnum works well.

Fertiliser

• Feed lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

• Reduce or pause feeding in winter when growth slows.

Pruning & Propagation

• Remove yellow or damaged fronds to maintain lush appearance.

• Propagate easily by division or cutting, ideal for expanding your collection or terrarium coverage.

Final Thoughts

The Selaginella martensii ‘Variegated’ is a lush, versatile, and pet- and reptile-safe plant that brings tropical elegance to any indoor environment. Its trailing, variegated foliage is perfect for terrariums, vivariums, hanging baskets, or simple pots on a shelf. While it enjoys a little more care in terms of moisture and humidity, the rewards are well worth it: a vibrant, healthy, and strikingly beautiful plant that enhances your space naturally.