A Detailed Guide to Growing the Resurrection Plant (Selaginella tamariscina)
Selaginella tamariscina is a terrestrial or lithophytic resurrection plant of the genus Selaginella in the family Selaginellaceae. It grows in cushion-like form and reproduces by spores. It has extremely strong vitality and mostly grows on sun-facing mountain slopes and rocks, or in dry rock crevices. Below is an introduction to the “resurrection plant” Selaginella tamariscina growing methods.
I. Growth Habits of Selaginella tamariscina
Selaginella tamariscina has extremely strong vitality. Its roots can detach from the soil on their own, curling up like a fist and rolling with the wind. It revives upon contact with water, and the roots drill back into the soil to seek moisture. After long periods of drought, as long as the root system is soaked in water, it can unfurl again. Hence the name “resurrection plant”.
II. Growing Methods for Selaginella tamariscina
1. Soil Selection and Planting
The resurrection plant is highly adaptable to soil and has low soil requirements, but it grows faster and more vigorously when planted in sandy soil with strong permeability and good drainage and irrigation. Choose good soil and plant at the right time.
Selaginella tamariscina can be planted year-round in the south, while in the north it should be cultivated in summer, late autumn and other periods of higher temperatures. Choose the planting method according to your own growing skills. Generally, stem division propagation is the main method: cut the seed stems into small segments of about 5 cm and scatter them on the soil. Before germination, water no fewer than 3 times a day. Keep the soil moist and they will take root and survive.
2. Water and Fertilizer Management
The resurrection plant has a relatively high water demand and prefers growing in moist environments. If water is insufficient, the plant wilts and weakens, collapsing and becoming soft, which severely reduces its ornamental value. Therefore, when growing it, we must ensure the soil has sufficient water content, water promptly to meet its water needs, and adjust watering frequency reasonably according to weather changes.
In summer, water at least twice a day, while in winter about once every 4 days. Also do a good job with topdressing to ensure adequate nutrition. During its growth period, apply topdressing usually once every half month. Pay attention to fertilizer concentration, which must not be too high, to avoid burning the plant.
3. Shaping and Pruning
The resurrection plant is mainly grown for ornamental purposes, so shaping and pruning are things we need to focus on when growing it. When topdressing, avoid applying too much nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive branch growth, improve garden air circulation, and enhance the growth capacity of the resurrection plant.
Selaginella tamariscina needs to be pruned regularly. Cut off overly long and dense branches. It can also be pruned into various shapes according to market demand to make it more beautiful, increase its commercial value, and expand your own growing returns.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Although the resurrection plant has strong growth capacity, it also has common pests and diseases, such as leaf spot and brown soft scale, which we also need to focus on preventing and controlling. Manage the temperature and humidity around the planting site well. Although it likes water, humidity must not be too high. Keep temperature and humidity within a stable range, inspect the garden regularly, prepare control agents for common pests and diseases, strengthen garden management, do all preventive work well, and reduce the incidence of disease.
The above is a brief introduction by Tuliu.com to the growing methods for Selaginella tamariscina. In the process of growing Selaginella tamariscina, pest and disease control work is relatively important. Pests and diseases will not only damage the appearance of Selaginella tamariscina but also threaten its growth.