Resurrection Plant
The Resurrection Plant, also know as Selaginella lepidophylla, is aptly named due to its ability to “return from the dead”. This interesting and intriguing plant, which thrives in desert conditions, has the ability to lie dormant and shrivel up into a ball when the moisture content of its soil dries up. It will appear to be dead, but actually, it is not. With just a little moisture added, the Resurrection Plant will begin to absorb the moisture; it will unfold from its ball and begin to grow rapidly. During this time, this exotic houseplant will produce a flat rosette of scaly stems and leaf structures. These leaf structures are actually extensions of its stems. When the soil is permitted to dry out, the Resurrection Plant will once again fold up into a ball and go dormant. The plant can remain dormant for years. This behavior is why the Resurrection Plant is on the list of exotic houseplants that are finding themselves in people’s homes.
The Resurrection Plant, which is also called the Rose of Jericho is actually a plant that is classified somewhere between a moss and a fern. This small plant is very easy to care for; place it in a shallow dish and watered it periodically. It can also be planted in a shallow pot with potting soil. It is important to remember that this interesting exotic houseplant grows when its soil is moist. This moisture causes the plant cells to rehydrate, the stems to unfold and metabolism to increase allowing growth to occur. So, for growth to occur, water is important, more important than any other element.
The unique nature of the Resurrection Plant does not end with its ability to become dormant in drought conditions. Its uniqueness carries over into the way to reproduce as well. Propagation for this exotic houseplant occurs with single-celled spores produced by the plants club-like strobill. Unlike most plants, this exotic houseplant has no flowers, no seeds and no fruits. With the way this plant reproduces it does not generally occur when kept indoors. It may actually be difficult to propagate at all.
If you are looking for a new, interesting houseplant that does well in any location, and does not require any extra attention, then the Resurrection Plant maybe just what you need. This can be especially true if you tend to be neglectful when it comes to caring for your houseplants. This unusual plant is also perfect for the younger plant owner. Kids will be amazed at the way it will spring back to life after looking very dead. So go ahead, try it, you may just find you have a new favorite, exotic houseplant.
