Selaginella uncinata

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Feed with houseplant food

Give a balanced houseplant feed monthly from May until August, at other times feed every six weeks.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring-Winter · Outdoors

Feed with houseplant food

Give a balanced houseplant feed monthly from May until August, at other times feed every six weeks.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Pinch out growing tips

On young plants pinch out foliage tips to encourage a pleasant and bushy growth habit.

Summer-Autumn · Planting

Support tall stems

The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.

Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.

Winter-Spring · Indoors

Water lightly in winter

The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.

The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Outdoors

Protect the base from rotting

Assist free drainage and prevent the base of the plant rotting by using lime, granite chips or fine horticultural grit round the base of the plant on top of the soil.

Compost · Planting

Ericaceous compost for repotting

Ericaceous compost is lightweight, so if a light pot is used put heavy crocks in the base, and if the compost dries out, water by standing the pot in water until it has been absorbed.

Some plants require acidic compost to make healthy growth because they are unable to absorb the correct nutrients in soil that contains lime. These plants are called 'calcifuge'. This applies to many rhododendrons, blueberries, and some heathers.

Indoor temperature · Planting

7C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 7 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in indirect light indoors

Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.