Plant of the Week: Frosty Ferns

The gift basket features a white Princettia, English ivy, Plumosa fern and Frosty fern. 

Frosty fern, Selaginella kraussiana, is so named for the white tips that form on the leaves in winter. The coloration and festive foliage make it a natural to use in holiday gift baskets with a poinsettia, cyclamen and/or Christmas cactus. The white tips will fade after a bit; this fern ally will continue to thrive indoors long after Christmas. 

White frosted tips arrive in time for the holidays

Though not a true fern, nor a moss as it is occasionally identified, this is among the fern allies that grow similarly. Indoors, Frosty ferns like bright light, though not full sun. It may be moved outdoors, after all danger of frost has passed, in a shady spot. Move it back in before fall's first frost. 

Several varieties of Selaginella are sold year 'round. Many are perfect for terrariums.

The Frosty fern likes to be kept moist and enjoys high humidity. It will thrive in a terrarium atmosphere or on a tray of pebbles which will help to keep humidity levels at 70 %. Ideally, temperatures would range between 65 and 80 degrees F. 

Selaginella kraussiana is native to South Africa, east Africa and islands in the region. 

Ruby and light green are among the colors and forms of Selaginella.

For more information on this unique plant, follow this link to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa. I was lucky enough to visit years ago and see the incredible natives in this very specialized plant zone.