The dino plant (scientific name: Selaginella lepidophylla) is a desert plant species in the spikemoss family. It’s an ancient plant native to the Chihuahuan desert and the southwestern US. Due to its ability to survive extreme dehydration for months or even years is known as a ‘resurrection plant.’ This rosette-forming herb is referred to as ‘ fern allies,’ considering it generates endospores like ferns but not actually ferns. Yet, it’s tossed in the same “fern ally” group.
Here’s what you need to know regarding the Selaginella lepidophylla.
Sunlight
This plant can effortlessly endure sun exposure for some period. However, for promising results for Selaginella lepidophylla, place it in a room that receives indirect, bright daylight.
You should lay down the dino plant near the south or west-facing window for the sunshine it requires, without overdoing it.
Watering
While it’s a desert plant, you might think it won’t require much water. That’s somewhat valid. It can smoothly go a month without the moisture. However, the recommended amount tends to be given. If you want to activate the dino plant, it can be executed through 2 methods.
Soak the entire plant in warm water. Keep the roots half-drowned in water and the plant’s exterior above the water when your plant is active. Change the water occasionally, but let the water evaporate. If the drying process has already begun, don’t try to stop it. If not, let it dry out after a month of being active.
Conversely, Dino plants can be harvested in perpetually damp soil. If you feel like the plant is drying out, allow it to dry out entirely once in a while before adding water.
Humidity
Selaginella lepidophylla can survive prolonged droughts. To fight such conditions, it curls its wolf feet like leaves into a ball. It can tolerate average humidity, but high humidity can indeed refrain the leaves from curling.
The room in which it’s placed must be maintained above 50% humidity level for high humidity. You can enhance humidity with the help of master’s and humidifiers.
Temperature
65°F-85°F (18°C-30°C) is the most suitable temperature for Selaginella lepidophylla. If the temp is lower than 15°C, it will result in the plant becoming dormant or inactive.
It’s advised to put your plant in a warmer place. It might be difficult for people to find an ideal room for their dino plant. In such situations, thermometers can be utilized.
Repotting
Repotting is a way to refrain your roots from becoming cramped. Those who want to stay on the safe side can repot it after discovering that the plant is dying, but it’s not mandatory.
Fertilizer
People commonly use fertilizers to enable a plant to develop vibrant flowers. This member of Selaginellaceae has relatively small blooms. You can bring your dino plant to life with a liquid solution that has been diluted to a tenth of its stability.
Make sure the plant’s soil is moist before applying dosage to avoid root burn.
Diseases
Infections
Unfortunately, even indoor plants can get infected by insects. Mainly, whiteflies, different bugs, and spiders tend to infect your dino plant. If you ever notice such insects, isolate your plant and wash it with any insecticidal soap.
Mold disease
A white film covers the stems due to molds. This occurs typically due to overwhelming moisture enabling the spores to take over your plant. Fungicides may tackle such fungus. Moreover, a natural remedy such as baking soda can be applied to the stems. Make sure to wash the stems off as it can add an ample amount of water.
Common issues
Plant turning brown
This issue is prevalent among dino plants. If your plant turns brown, you can fix it with a few hours of water. Once it comes back to life, the color will change into light green.
Curled up leaves
Edges of leaves can become dry and curled up due to less humidity in the surroundings. Still, if you try to improve moisture and providence of water, they can be restored.
Additional care
You can keep your dino plant prosperous and happy with some extra care.
- Provide perfect humidity above 50% for a healthy plant.
- Try to keep your plant out of reach of small children, pets, and Insects, especially whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites.
- Aim to keep the temperature between 16- 30 degrees Celsius around the dino plant.
Final thoughts
To conclude, the dino plant adds loveliness to any room. It’s considered one of the easiest plants to care for and manage with the right knowledge. You can surely go anywhere without stressing about its drying up. Looking for a manageable plant to grow in your house? Dino plants are perfect for growing!
