Huperzia Urbanii
Huperzia urbanii (syn. Phlegmariurus urbanii, Lycopodiaceae)

An epiphytic clubmoss — not a true fern but a member of one of the most ancient vascular plant lineages — native to the humid montane forests of tropical Central and South America and the Caribbean. Like others in the genus, it grows as a pendulous epiphyte on rainforest trees, forming cascades of slender, densely-leaved stems, making it well suited to a hanging basket or mounted display. A slow grower that reproduces via spores. Reported to be toxic if ingested.

• Light: Bright indirect light to light shade; soft morning sun or brief dappled rays are fine, but harsh direct sun quickly scorches the delicate foliage. Too much shade causes stagnation and rot.

• Soil: Chunky, fast-draining but moisture-retentive epiphytic medium — coconut husk chips around the root ball, or mounted with sphagnum; basket culture supports the best airflow. Must drain fast enough to be barely moist by the next day. Never dense soil.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 60-80°F; high humidity is essential alongside good air movement — rinsing the whole plant when watering helps provide ambient moisture.

• Watering: Keep lightly and consistently moist — often a light daily watering in warm, bright conditions — but never soggy, as overwatering causes crown and root rot. 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; slow-release pellets like Osmocote are gentler and preferred by many growers.