How to Grow the Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)? Growing Methods and Precautions
The resurrection plant, also known as Selaginella (spikemoss), is a very common ornamental plant in our daily lives. But many people use it for ornamental purposes while overlooking another one of its values: the resurrection plant is very effective at treating external injuries. The whole plant has hemostatic and astringent properties; after being burned to ash, it can be taken orally to treat bleeding, and when mixed with vegetable oil it can effectively stop bleeding. So how should the resurrection plant be grown? Let's take a look together below!
1. Soil Selection and Planting
The resurrection plant has very strong soil adaptability and is not demanding about soil, but it grows faster and the plants are more robust when planted in sandy soil with strong permeability and good drainage and irrigation. After choosing the soil, plant it at the appropriate time. In the south it can be planted all year round, but in the north it should be cultivated in warmer weather such as summer and late autumn. Then choose the planting method according to your own cultivation techniques; 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; as long as the soil is kept moist, they will take root and survive.
2. Water and Fertilizer Management
The resurrection plant has a relatively large demand for water and likes to grow in moist environments. If there is insufficient water, the plant becomes withered and weak, collapsing and going soft, which seriously reduces its ornamental value. Therefore, when growing it we must ensure the soil has sufficient water content, irrigate in a timely manner, and meet its water needs. Adjust the watering frequency reasonably according to weather changes; for example, in summer water at least twice a day, while in winter about once every 4 days. We must also do a good job of topdressing to ensure sufficient nutrients. During its growth period, usually apply topdressing once every half month, and pay attention to the 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. First, when topdressing, avoid applying too much nitrogen fertilizer to prevent the branches from growing excessively, improve garden ventilation, and enhance the growth capacity of the resurrection plant. Prune it regularly, cutting off overly long and dense branches, and it can also be pruned into various shapes according to market demand. This makes it more beautiful, increases its commercial value, and expands your own cultivation benefits.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Although the resurrection plant has strong growth capacity, it also has common pests and diseases, such as leaf spot disease and brown soft scale. These are also what we need to focus on preventing and controlling. Manage the temperature and humidity around the planting site well; although it likes water, the humidity must not be too high, and temperature and humidity should be kept within a stable range. Check the garden regularly and prepare control agents for common pests and diseases to prevent being caught helpless by sudden disease. Strengthen garden management, do all the prevention work well, and reduce the incidence of disease.
The above is a brief introduction to the growing methods for the resurrection plant. Among these, pest and disease control is relatively important, because pests and diseases not only threaten the growth of the resurrection plant but also cause great harm to its appearance. Once the appearance is damaged, the plant has basically lost its commercial value, so everyone must pay close attention! That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting us.