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Description
Selaginella Lepidophylla, commonly known as the Resurrection Plant, is a fascinating species of plant that belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. It is a unique plant that can survive in extreme conditions, such as deserts and dry areas, due to its ability to become dormant when exposed to dry conditions. The plant’s leaves curl up and turn brown to protect it from dehydration, but when it is exposed to water, it can miraculously come back to life and return to its green state.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Lycopodiophyta |
| Class | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order | Selaginellales |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus | Selaginella |
Appearance
Selaginella Lepidophylla has a unique appearance with small, scale-like leaves that are typically green in color. However, when the plant becomes dehydrated, the leaves curl up and turn brown. The plant can grow up to 3 inches tall and 5 inches wide, and it has a bushy, spreading growth habit. When the Resurrection Plant is exposed to water, it can quickly regain its green color and continue growing.
Care Guide
To care for Selaginella Lepidophylla, you need to keep in mind its unique ability to become dormant when exposed to dry conditions. Here are some guidelines to follow:- Water: The Resurrection Plant requires infrequent watering, as it can survive for long periods without water. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.- Fertilization: The plant does not need much fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: Selaginella Lepidophylla prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Use a soil mix that is designed for cacti and succulents.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Selaginella Lepidophylla can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Resurrection Plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. To prevent these pests, keep the plant in a clean environment and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Selaginella Lepidophylla is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it grows in dry, arid regions. The plant can be found in deserts, rocky areas, and other places with low moisture levels. Due to its ability to survive in harsh conditions, it is a popular plant for xeriscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Selaginella Lepidophylla survive in low-light conditions?
A: While the plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, it can tolerate low-light conditions. However, it may not grow as well or produce as many leaves.
Q: How often should I water the Resurrection Plant?
A: Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, this could range from once a week to once a month.
Q: Can I propagate Selaginella Lepidophylla from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings and planting them in moist soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cuttings root and begin to grow.
Q: Is Selaginella Lepidophylla toxic to pets?
A: The Resurrection Plant is not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep any plant out of reach of pets and children.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Selaginella Lepidophylla:- Selaginella Kraussiana- Selaginella Martensii- Selaginella Uncinata- Selaginella Tamariscina- Selaginella Apoda
References
– “Selaginella lepidophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 14, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281823.- “Selaginella lepidophylla.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed October 14, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17131610-1.
