Why are Selaginella species better suited to warm terrariums?

Selaginella species, commonly known as spike moss, are well-suited to warm terrariums primarily because many of these vascular plants are native to tropical environments.1

While the genus is widely distributed globally, a significant number of species originate from tropical regions, where they have adapted to the high humidity and consistent temperatures characteristic of forest understories. When grown as houseplants or in terrariums, these plants thrive in similar conditions, as they require high moisture levels to maintain their delicate, mossy foliage. Species such as S. kraussiana, S. emmeliana, and S. martensii are frequently cultivated in these controlled environments because they effectively replicate the humid, sheltered habitats of their native tropical origins.1