Huperzia Carinata 'See Da' Tassel Fern
Huperzia carinata 'See Da' (syn. Phlegmariurus carinatus)

An epiphytic clubmoss — not a true fern but a member of one of the most ancient vascular plant lineages — native to the warm, humid forests of tropical Asia and the Pacific, from Thailand and Malaysia through Indonesia, Taiwan, and into Polynesia and northern Australia. It grows as a pendulous epiphyte, forming elegant cascades of slender, needle-like foliage on rope-like stems that can reach several feet at maturity. Best displayed mounted or in a hanging basket, and grows slowly, reproducing via spores. An advanced-care plant that rewards conditions replicating its rainforest understory habitat. Reported to be toxic if ingested.

• Light: Bright indirect light; soft morning sun or brief dappled rays are fine, but harsh sun quickly stresses and burns the delicate foliage.

• Soil: Chunky, well-draining but moisture-retentive epiphytic medium — coconut husk chips, or mounted on tree fern with sphagnum; basket culture supports the best airflow. Slightly acidic pH 5.5-6.5. Never dense soil, never fully dry.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 65-75°F; high humidity of 60-80% is essential, with good air circulation. Rinsing the whole plant when watering helps provide ambient moisture.

• Watering: Keep consistently moist at all times — never allow to dry out fully. Watering is frequent, often several times weekly in warm, bright conditions, since the chunky medium holds little water. Use rainwater or distilled water; sensitive to mineral buildup.

• Fertilizer: Extremely sensitive to fertilizer burn — feed with a heavily diluted balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength every 6-8 weeks during the growing season only.