How to Grow & Care for Resurrection Plant

Resurrection Plant Care

The resurrection plant makes an easy, nearly fail-proof houseplant, as long as you understand its unique water (or lack of water) needs. Here are the main care requirement for a resurrection plant:

• Place in a location with bright, indirect light and avoid exposing it to scorching sun.
• Put resurrection plant in a bowl with pebbles.
• Rehydrate the plant occasionally by filling the bowl with non-chlorinated water.
• Keep it at a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fertilize lightly twice a year with a highly-diluted, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.

Light

Resurrection plants thrive in plenty of light. Therefore, choose a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as a window with an eastern or western exposure. Avoid locations with the scorching sun; it may be too much for a resurrection plant that has adapted to living indoors.

Soil

Soil is not a necessity for resurrection plants; they will grow happily in a bowl of pebbles just barely covered with water, as long as they are given some rest periods. Alternatively, after resurrection plants are rehydrated in water, transfer them to a pot with well-draining potting mix if you like.

Water

To rehydrate resurrection plants and keep them green, place the plant in a container filled with pebbles and water. The water should reach just above the pebbles so that the plants rest securely on top without submerging in the water too much. Resurrection plants are sensitive to water quality, so it’s best to use distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that’s been left out overnight. Once placed in the water, it takes about three to four hours for a dried-out resurrection plant to begin unfurling. It will completely revive within a few days.

If keeping the plant in water, note that resurrection plants cannot survive in constant water and will rot if left in water for too long. Therefore, dedicate at least one day a week as a water-free rest day. Then, every couple of weeks, resurrection plants should be allowed to dry out completely.

Temperature and Humidity

Although resurrection plants are desert plants, they are sensitive to extreme temperature variations and should not be exposed to too hot or too cold temperatures. If you plant them outside, they do not survive extreme fluctuations in temperature. Do not keep them outside if the temperatures go lower than 65 F or higher than 85 Fahrenheit.

Generally, resurrection plants are happy in average room temperatures. However, avoid placing resurrection plants in locations next to drafty vents or windows.

As these plants are most often grown perched on a bowl of water and pebbles, humidity isn’t usually a problem. However, if your plant starts to go dormant, increase humidity levels by misting it with distilled water occasionally.

Fertilizer

Resurrection plants require very little fertilizing. Feed twice a year with a diluted water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to 110 of the strength recommended for regular houseplants, and feed your resurrection plant once in early spring and once in midsummer.

Pruning

Resurrection plants do not need regular pruning, but to keep them neat, you can trim any dead fronds that do not rehydrate with a pair of garden shears or scissors.

Propagating Resurrection Plants

It is best to propagate this plant by division. Resurrection plants are sporophytes. Similar to ferns, they do not reproduce by flowering and producing seeds. Instead, they reproduce asexually with spores. Divide by taking cuttings from the plant in spring or late fall.

1. Cut a section of plant large enough to include the full length of its fronds.
2. Place the cutting on top of gravel or loose soil and apply water to initiate growth. You’ll typically see the plant begin to grow within just a few days.
3. Treat the new plant the same as its parent by placing it on a tray or bowl of water and gravel, or by putting it into well-drained potting mix.

Overwintering

This plant cannot tolerate extreme cold or heat. If you keep your resurrection plant outdoors in the summer, bring it inside when temperatures drop below 65 degrees to overwinter in its dormant state. Place it in a cardboard box and store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t get crushed. It will dry out and wait for you to revive it again in the spring.

Resurrection plants permanently grown indoors don’t require any special winter care.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Despite its reputation as a hard-to-kill houseplant, the resurrection plant is not immune to pests and diseases. It often attracts aphids which damage the leaves and leave sticky honeydew behind. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot disease.

Common Problems With Resurrection Plant

For the most part, the resurrection plant is very easy to grow and has few problems. However, as with any houseplant, there are a few things to watch out for.

Leaves Turning Black

If you notice your plant has blackened leaves, feels mushy, or has a sour smell, the likely problem is rot due to too much water. It may be possible to save the plant by trimming away the affected fronds and reducing the amount of water in the plant’s bowl or tray. There should be just enough water to barely cover the pebbles. You should also give the plant at least one day per week away from any water.

Leaves Turning Brown

It’s the nature of the resurrection plant to turn brown and curl up when it goes dormant due to lack of moisture. If your plant is looking curled, brown, and dry, and you don’t plan on storing it, restore it by adding fresh water to its bowl or by misting it regularly with distilled or purified water.