Resurrection Plant

Have you ever seen a plant come back from the dead? The resurrection plant is a miraculous desert survivor, defying the harshest conditions. For gardeners fascinated by the unusual, this little botanical wonder offers a stunning lesson in resilience. It looks like a dry, brown tumbleweed when dormant but transforms into a vibrant green fern in just hours with water. Let’s look at how you can care for this incredible plant.

It’s not actually a single species. The name refers to several plants, like Selaginella lepidophylla, that can survive near-total dehydration. They curl into a ball to conserve moisture and can stay that way for years. When rain finally arrives, they unfurl and resume photosynthesis. It’s a survival strategy that seems almost magical.

This section covers the core facts. Understanding its background helps you provide better care.

What Exactly Is It?

The most common resurrection plant sold is Selaginella lepidophylla. It’s a spike moss, related to ancient fern families. It’s native to the Chihuahuan Desert, spanning Texas and Mexico. Its ability to survive 95% water loss is called poikilohydry. Most plants would die, but this one has specialized cells that protect its tissues.

The Science Behind the “Miracle”

How does it do it? The process involves sugars and cellular protection.

Trehalose Sugar: This sugar accumulates in the plant’s cells as it dries. It forms a glass-like substance that preserves cell membranes and proteins.
Curling Up: As it loses water, the plant’s stems curl inward. This minimizes surface area exposed to sun and wind, protecting the vital center.
Suspended Animation: Metabolic activity drops to an undetectable level. The plant isn’t growing, but it isn’t dying either. It’s in a state of cryptobiosis.

Different Types You Might Find

Besides the spike moss, other plants share this trait. The Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) is another famous one, though it’s a true flowering plant. It’s important to know which you have, as their care differs slightly. Selaginella is a perennial, while the true Rose of Jericho is an annual that reproduces by seed after reviving.

Why Gardeners Love It

It’s a captivating educational tool for kids and adults. It demonstrates plant adaptation in a visible, dramatic way. It’s also very low-maintenance for long periods. Plus, its unique beauty—both in its dormant and revived states—makes it a curious conversation piece for any home.

Setting Up Your Plant for Success

You’ve just brought your resurrection plant home. Here’s how to start it off right.

Unpack Carefully: Gently remove any packaging. Your plant will likely be a dry, brown ball.
Choose a Shallow Dish: Use a saucer, bowl, or shallow pot without drainage holes. You need to hold water.
Initial Hydration: Place the dry ball in the dish. Pour room-temperature water, preferably distilled or rainwater, into the dish until it covers about one-quarter of the plant’s height.
The Watch: Be patient. Over several hours, you’ll see stems begin to unfurl and change color from brown to green. This process can take up to a full day.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Keeping your plant healthy is simple but requires attention to its cycles.

Watering: The Key to the Cycle

You don’t water it like a regular houseplant. Mimic desert rainfall.

Pour water into the dish, not over the top, to about 1/4 inch deep.
Let it soak for 4-8 hours until fully green and open.
Pour off all excess water. The plant should sit in moist conditions, but not constantly submerged.
Allow it to dry out completely over the next week or two. Let it return to its dormant ball state.
Repeat the cycle. Constant water will cause rot.

Light and Temperature Needs

Bright, indirect light is ideal. A north or east-facing windowsill is perfect. Avoid harsh, direct southern sun, which can scorch it even when hydrated. It prefers average room temperatures between 60-80°F. It can tolerate cooler temps, but avoid frost.

Soil? It’s Optional

You can grow it without any soil at all. Many people keep it on a bed of pebbles or just in a dish. If you want to plant it, use a very fast-draining cactus mix. Bury only the very bottom root structure. Most of the stems should be above the soil line.

Feeding (Fertilizing)

This plant needs very little fertilizer. If you want to encourage growth, use a diluted liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength) only during its hydrated green phase. Do this no more than once a month during the growing season (spring/summer). To much fertilizer will harm its delicate system.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even tough plants can have issues. Here’s what to watch for.

Mold or Rot: This happens from being wet too long. Solution: Always pour off excess water after hydration. Ensure good air circulation. Let it dry thoroughly between waterings.
Not Turning Green: If it stays brown after 24 hours in water, it may be too far gone or was dead when purchased. Try using warmer water or a different water source.
Blackening Stems: A sign of rot. Cut away the black parts with clean scissors. Let the plant dry out immediatly for an extended period.
Pests: Rare, but mealybugs or fungus gnats can appear. For mealybugs, dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For gnats, let the plant dry out completely.

Propagating Your Resurrection Plant

You can create new plants through division. It’s easiest when the plant is hydrated and pliable.

Gently remove the plant from its dish or soil.
Look for natural divisions in the root mass. Carefully tease apart a section that has both stems and roots attached.
Place the new division in its own shallow dish. Follow the same initial hydration steps.
Keep the new division slightly more moist (but not soggy) for the first couple cycles to encourage root establishment.

Creative Display Ideas

Its versatility allows for fun displays. Here are a few ideas:

The Simple Saucer: A plain white dish highlights its form.
Terrarium Centerpiece: Place it in an open terrarium with stones and sand, hydrating it occasionally.
Living Art: Mount it on a piece of driftwood or bark with a bit of sphagnum moss, misting it to revive.
Educational Project: Keep a journal with photos, tracking its revival times and color changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can a resurrection plant stay dead?

In dormancy, it can survive for decades without water if kept in a dry, cool place. There are reports of specimens reviving after almost 50 years.

Is it safe for pets?

Yes, the resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) is non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it’s always best to keep plants out of reach to prevent chewing.

Can I grow it in my garden outdoors?

Only if you live in a very hot, dry climate (USDA zones 7b-11). It must have excellent drainage and protection from frost. For most, it’s best as a container plant.

Why is mine not curling back up?

If it stays open and green, it’s still holding moisture. Move it to a drier, airier spot. The drying process can take a week or two. Be patient, it will curl as it loses water.

How often should I water my resurrection fern?

Cycle it between wet and dry. A typical schedule is to hydrate it for a day, then let it dry out for 1-2 weeks before repeating. This mimics its natural desert environment.

Final Tips for Your Journey

The resurrection plant teaches us about patience and adaptation. Its care is a practice in observation. Watch its cues—it will show you when it’s thirsty and when it needs rest. Avoid the temptation to over-care; neglect is often what it needs most. With a simple dish, some water, and bright light, you can witness this miraculous desert survivor perform its timeless routine for years to come. It’s a humble reminder of natures incredible resilience.