Quick answer
Place the Resurrection Plant in a shallow bowl of water and watch it unfurl from a dry brown ball into a lush green fern within hours—no soil needed.
Why the Resurrection Plant is a unique science experiment
The Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) is not a true rose but a spike moss native to desert regions. It can survive extreme drought by curling into a tight ball and appearing dead. When water returns, it rehydrates and opens within hours—a dramatic lesson in adaptation for kids and adults alike.
How to revive your Resurrection Plant
- Prepare the bowl: Fill a clear bowl or shallow dish with room-temperature water. The container should be wide enough for the plant to spread out fully. Avoid using distilled water—tap water contains minerals the plant needs. Check that the bowl is clean to prevent mold.
- Submerge the plant: Gently place the dry, brown Resurrection Plant in the water. It may float at first—push it down gently or weigh it with a clean stone. Do not force it open; let the water do the work. If the plant doesn't open after 4 hours, change the water to refresh oxygen.
- Observe and refresh daily: Within a few hours, the fronds will turn green and spread. After 24 hours, the plant should be fully open. Replace the water every 1-2 days to keep it fresh. Rinse the plant gently during water changes to remove any dust. Once fully open, you can return it to a dry state by letting it air-dry for a week.
What you need
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The Resurrection Plant: Throughout history, these highly adaptive plants would dry up and blow in the wind until they came upon water, then rapidly open and drink the water until it was gone. This natural behavior makes it a perfect low-maintenance educational science toy—just add water and observe the transformation.
The Resurrection Plant
