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The Resurrection Plant: A Comprehensive Guide on Care Tips
If you’re a garden enthusiast, you might have come across the resurrection plant.
This plant has gained popularity for its unique characteristics and ability to revive after drying out completely.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the resurrection plant, including care tips and how to propagate it.
Introduction to the Resurrection Plant
The resurrection plant is scientifically known as Selaginella lepidophylla.
It’s a desert native that can be found in regions such as Chihuahua and Mexico.
The most fascinating thing about this plant is its ability to survive extreme dry conditions by curling up into a ball and appearing dead until watered again.
When the rains come or when water touches its roots, it uncurls and comes back to life within hours – hence its name “resurrection.” The survival mechanism of this little wonder has captivated many gardeners who are now cultivating it both indoors & outdoors.
Care Tips for Resurrection Plants
- Light: The resurrection plant thrives in bright light but can also tolerate shade.
However, direct sunlight might cause damage or turn them brownish-yellow.
- Temperature: This resilient plant prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F).
However, they can tolerate extreme temperatures ranging from freezing up to 40°C (104°F).
- Watering: Watering should be done sparingly since their natural habitat doesn’t receive much rainfall throughout the year.
Overwatering will lead to root rot since they don’t like sitting in pools of water.
- During the growing season, which is in spring and summer, water the plant every few weeks or when the soil is dry to touch.
- In winter, when they become dormant, reduce watering to once a month since they require less moisture.
- Soil: Soil should be well-draining since they dislike being waterlogged.
A sandy or rocky mixture that has excellent drainage will work wonders for this plant.
- Fertilizer: Fertilizing isn’t necessary but can be done occasionally using a balanced fertilizer at a dilution of half strength.
- Pest Control: The resurrection plant is hardy and pest-resistant.
However, you should keep an eye out for spider mites or other small insects that might attack it.
Propagation of Resurrection Plants
The resurrection plant can easily propagate from its stems by division.
Follow these simple steps to propagate yours at home:
- Gently remove the parent plant from its pot and clean away any soil attached to it so that you can see its roots clearly.
- Cut off one of its stems using a sharp knife.
- Plant the stem in a well-draining soil mixture and mist it with water to keep it moist.
You can add rooting hormone for faster growth.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fascinating plant that is easy to care for, then the resurrection plant should be on your list.
This unique desert native has proven time and again that it can survive unfavorable conditions and come back to life when the rains finally arrive.
To keep your resurrection plant healthy, ensure that you follow our care tips, including providing adequate light, watering sparingly, using well-draining soil mixture, fertilizing occasionally and keeping an eye out for pests.
By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a thriving resurrection plant both indoors & outdoors.
