Selaginella Moellendorffii

Description

Selaginella Moellendorffii, also known as the resurrection plant, is a unique plant species that belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. It is native to East Asia and is commonly found in China, Japan, and Korea. The plant is known for its ability to come back to life after drying out, which has earned it the nickname of the resurrection plant. The Selaginella Moellendorffii plant produces spores instead of seeds, making it a non-flowering plant. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 15 cm in height. The plant has a unique appearance with small, needle-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern around its stem.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Selaginella Moellendorffii plant has a unique appearance with small, needle-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern around its stem. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The plant can grow up to 15 cm in height and has a bushy appearance. The resurrection plant is known for its ability to survive in extreme conditions, including drought and low light levels. When the plant dries out, it curls up into a tight ball and appears dead. However, when it is exposed to water, it quickly comes back to life and resumes its normal growth pattern.

Care Guide

Selaginella Moellendorffii is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it does not require a lot of maintenance. Here is a care guide for the resurrection plant:Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but it should not be overwatered. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilization: The Selaginella Moellendorffii plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. It can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss and perlite is ideal. Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect light. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves. Hardiness Zones: The resurrection plant can grow in hardiness zones 7 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Selaginella Moellendorffii plant is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to look out for:Spider Mites: These pests can cause damage to the leaves by sucking out the plant’s sap. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Scale Insects: These pests can be identified by their small, round shells that attach to the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining.

Habitat

The Selaginella Moellendorffii plant is native to East Asia and is commonly found in China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in shaded areas, such as forests and rocky cliffs. The plant is also commonly found in gardens and as a houseplant.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the Selaginella Moellendorffii plant be propagated?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by spores or by stem cuttings. Q: How often does the Selaginella Moellendorffii plant need to be watered?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Selaginella Moellendorffii plant?
A: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 7 to 10. Q: Is the Selaginella Moellendorffii plant toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not known to be toxic to pets.

Related Plants

Here are some other plants that are related to Selaginella Moellendorffii:- Selaginella kraussiana- Selaginella uncinata- Selaginella lepidophylla- Selaginella pallescens

References

– “Selaginella Moellendorffii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m129. – “Selaginella Moellendorffii.” Plant Care Today, 26 Jan. 2021, plantcaretoday.com/selaginella-moellendorffii. – “Selaginella Moellendorffii.” The Spruce, 26 Oct. 2021, www.thespruce.com/selaginella-moellendorffii-profile-4798652.