Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)

🌿 The Resurrection Plant, scientifically known as Selaginella lepidophylla, belongs to the family Selaginellaceae and is a spikemoss rather than a true moss. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and the southwestern United States, this remarkable plant has evolved to survive extreme drought by curling into a tight brown ball during dry periods, then unfurling and turning green within hours when exposed to water. This beginner-friendly plant is perfect for those new to plant care or anyone who travels frequently. Here's a fun fact: this ancient plant can remain dormant for years, appearing completely dead, yet spring back to life with just a splash of water, earning its biblical nickname.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
The Resurrection Plant grows in a low, spreading rosette formation with delicate, scale-like leaves arranged in a fern-like pattern. When hydrated, the foliage unfolds into a flat, circular shape reaching about 10 to 15 centimetres across, displaying a soft sage green colour. The tiny overlapping leaves create a feathery texture that resembles intricate lacework. During drought stress, the entire plant curls inward into a tight ball, with leaves turning brown and appearing lifeless.
FLOWER DETAILS
The Resurrection Plant does not produce traditional flowers. As a primitive vascular plant, it reproduces through spores rather than seeds or blooms. This means you won't see any colourful petals or fragrant blossoms. The plant's visual appeal comes entirely from its dramatic transformation between dormant and hydrated states. The fascinating resurrection process itself serves as the main aesthetic feature, offering a living science experiment rather than floral beauty. Since flowering is not part of its lifecycle, there are no techniques to encourage blooms.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light or partial shade works best. Provide 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch the delicate foliage.
💧 Water: Submerge completely in room temperature water for 4 to 6 hours every 7 to 10 days during active growth. In winter, reduce to every 2 to 3 weeks. Allow to dry completely between waterings. The soak-and-dry method works best.
🌡️ Humidity: Tolerates average home humidity of 30 to 50 percent when hydrated. Can survive in extremely low humidity when dormant.
🪴 Soil: Often grown without soil. Can be placed in shallow dishes with pebbles or moss. If potting, use fast-draining cactus mix.
🏺 Potting: Shallow terracotta or ceramic dishes work well, about 2 to 3 centimetres deep. No drainage holes needed for water display method. Repotting rarely necessary.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow growing. Expands 2 to 4 centimetres over 6 months. May reach 15 to 20 centimetres diameter after 1 year. Maximum mature size is about 30 centimetres across when fully hydrated.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Minimal feeding required. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer at quarter strength once every 2 to 3 months during spring and summer only.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other household pets. Safe if nibbled or ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Resurrection Plant works beautifully as a living curiosity on coffee tables, desks, bookshelves, or bathroom counters where you can observe its transformation. Display it in shallow decorative bowls, terrariums, or mounted on driftwood in living rooms or home offices. It thrives in bright kitchens or on windowsills with filtered light. This plant is ideal for spaces where you want a conversation starter or educational piece. Avoid placing it in dark corners with no natural light, as it needs some brightness to photosynthesize when hydrated. Keep away from heating vents or extremely hot locations that may cause too-rapid drying.
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