All You Need To Know About Resurrection Plant And Its Facts

Published on: 06 February 2021 Last Updated on: 26 December 2024

Selaginella lepidophylla, or resurrect plant, is a desert plant that belongs to the Spikemoss family, Selaginellaceae. Across the desert of Mexico and the United States, you will find this plant. However, it is considered that the desert of North Africa is the native place of this plant.

It is also called the False Rose of Jericho. The creeping stems of this plant grow horizontally, and the leaves are like scale.

What Is A Resurrection Plant?

Any poikilohydric plant that is able to survive extreme dehydration is called a resurrection plant. These plants can survive without water for several months and even for years.

For example, the Rose of Jericho, which is native to the North African deserts, is an example of the resurrection plant. The scientific name of this plant is Anastatica hierochuntica.

Overview Of The Resurrection Plant

Common Name	Resurrection plant, Rose of Jericho, false Rose of Jericho, stone flower, dinosaur plant
Botanical Name	Selaginella lepidophylla
Family	Selaginellaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	2-6 in. tall, 3-6 in. wide
Sun Exposure	Full
Soil Type	None needed
Hardiness Zones	10
Native Area	North America

Some Interesting Facts About The Resurrection Plant

Here are some interesting facts about the resurrection plant that will surely amaze you.

Scaly Stems

These plants have scaly stems that are arranged in the form of a rosette. A few stems that the resurrection plant produces always grow close to the ground. The entire plant covers a diameter of less than only 1 foot. Just like other plants, this plant also uses its roots in order to extract nutrients and water from the ground.

Resurrection plant is a primitive plant that falls between the category of ferns and mosses. You can not see any leaves on the resurrection plant. All you will find are small, scaly extensions of stems that look like junipers.

Absorb Water

After rainfall, the resurrection plant quickly absorbs the water and enters the phase of rapid growth. As this plant is unable to accumulate water in the roots and stems, once the soil dries out, it also dries shortly. The dry plant curls up into a tight ball with a very small amount of water that is stored in the center.
Though the curled ball looks like it is dead it is only dormant. During the whole period of dormancy, the plant minimizes metabolic activities and can last a few years or till the time of the next rain.

Reviving Ability

Due to its reviving ability, this plant is called a resurrection plant. This plant is able to rehydrate. Once it is exposed to moisture, after a few hours, it unfolds its stem and reactivates its metabolism. After it absorbs the water, the stem starts swelling and unfolds itself. Even if the stems do not have any live protoplast within them, this will indeed happen.
“Siempre Viva,” which is another name for the resurrection plant. The phrase mentioned earlier means “everlasting.”

Reproduce Sexually

Resurrection plants do not produce flowers, fruits, and seeds. This plant reproduces sexually. Strobili, which is a club-like structure and produced via spores. 400 million years ago, this plant appeared on the planet. Most of the ancient lycopods were giant plants.

But as a result of climate change, all of them became extinct. Small lycopods like resurrection plants have managed to survive without any morphological changes till the modern days.

Dinosaur Plant

Another name for the resurrection plant is the “Dinosaur plant” because it has lived side by side with dinosaurs. Tea made from the resurrection plant can treat sore throat and the common cold due to its antimicrobial properties. The resurrection plant is the longest-living plant on earth.

Does the Resurrection Plant Need Soil?

When you will buy a resurrection plant online or from your nearest nursery on the resurrection plant for sale, you will receive a brown ball of dried moss. This brown ball of moss does have roots, but the roots are not attached to anything. So, in order to grow, this miracle plant does not need soil.

Similar to a hydroponic system, when there is no water or moisture for a really long time, the plant will curl into a ball and turn brown with a diameter of around 6 to 10 inches. which generally has a height range of 15 to 35 centimeters. This plant is very convenient in terms of taking care of and growing.

Can a Resurrection Plant Die?

From the earlier discussion, it may be clear that this plant is really hard to kill. You can simply put the plant in the dark corner of a room without water. But once you bring it out and leave it in water, it will get relieved once again. There is one way to kill this plant. That is overwatering. You can leave this plant in water for a few days, and it will start rotting, and eventually, it will die.

How to Grow the Resurrection Plant?

In order to grow and to care for a resurrection plant, all you need are:

A broad and shallow container that should not have any drainage hole.
Another wide container that should have drainage holes.
For spreading at the button, gravel or pebbles.
Distilled water at room temperature.
A bright but shady place.
And lastly, a dried resurrection plant.

Process

First, fill the wide and shallow container that has no drainage system with water. Do not fill it wholly. Put in two-thirds water.
Place pebbles or gravel up to the waterline. Now, put the dried resurrection plant on the pebbles. For a completely dry and brown plant, it will take around 3 to 4 hours to turn green.
Now, take the wide container that has drainage holes and spread the gravel or pebbles upto the level of water. Mix peat moss. Add humus and sand and spread it on the pebbles. Now, place the resurrected plant on the top.
Do not place it in direct sunlight. Instead, place it in a shady place that has a temperature of higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you notice the plant is getting brown, continue to water it.

Conclusion

This plant is super convenient for plant lovers who can not afford much time to take care of plants. Due to its relative properties, this plant can come back to life just after receiving water. That is why this brown dry ball of moss is so popular among plant lovers.

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Mashum Mollah

Mashum Mollah is the feature writer of Search Engine Magazine and an SEO Analyst at Real Wealth Business. Over the last 3 years, He has successfully developed and implemented online marketing, SEO, and conversion campaigns for 50+ businesses of all sizes. He is the co-founder of Social Media Magazine.

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Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?

If you are a gardener like me, you must have thought about harvesting greens that you eat at restaurants at your house. One of these days, I was with my friends from my university, and we were discussing the importance of eating veggies for staying healthy. And they could not figure out the best ways to effectively do so. Reading my previous blog about cilantro, Laila asked me, “how to grow and harvest asparagus?” Well, surely asparagus is one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables you can grow in your garden. But what a lot of people do not know is that it's also one of the easiest once you know how to harvest asparagus properly. In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about harvesting asparagus, from when to start, how to cut, and how often to do it. Additionally, I will also share some tips on how to store and freeze asparagus, as well as the benefits of eating this green wonder. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more... How Does Asparagus Grow? Before I dive into the seemingly difficult process of how to harvest asparagus, let me help you grow it. Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows from a crown of roots that can live for up to 20 years. The crown produces spears, which are the edible part of the plant, every spring. The spears grow rapidly, sometimes up to an inch per day, and can reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The spears are harvested before they open into fern-like leaves, which are edible and tough. Asparagus grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and moderate temperatures and needs regular watering and fertilizing. Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but crowns are easier and faster to establish. Crowns are planted in trenches about 12 to 18 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the spears emerge, more soil is added until the trench is filled Benefits of Asparagus https://giphy.com/gifs/food-asparagus-taylor-lee-nicholson-pejh5q5BBXxi2m4PgF Asparagus is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like spinach. It can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and prevent urinary tract infections. Asparagus also contains a compound called asparagine, which is a natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and salts from the body. Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for pregnant women and fetal development When to Harvest Asparagus? The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus spears, as they need to grow and strengthen the root system. The second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. The third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants. The best time to harvest asparagus is in the early morning when the spears are crisp and tender. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall, and before the tips start to open up. If you wait too long, the spears will become woody and bitter. How to Plant and Care for Asparagus? Asparagus is a long-term investment that can reward you with years of delicious harvests. However, it requires some planning and preparation before planting. Here are some steps to follow to plant and care for asparagus: Choose the Day Choose a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden, preferably with sandy or loamy soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool or where weeds are hard to control. Asparagus also needs plenty of space, so make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants. Prepare the Soil Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, and adjusting the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. You can use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. You may also need to add some fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10, to boost the phosphorus and potassium content. Dig it Deep Dig a trench about 8 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. You can make the trench longer or shorter depending on how many asparagus crowns you have. Asparagus crowns are the dormant roots of the plant that you can buy from nurseries or online. They usually have one-year-old or two-year-old crowns, which are more reliable and productive than seeds. Fertilize Spread some fertilizer along the bottom of the trench, about 2 pounds per 100 square feet. Then, cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 inches of soil, forming a ridge in the center of the trench. Placing the Plant Place the asparagus crowns on top of the ridge, about 12 to 18 inches apart, with the buds facing up. The crowns should be slightly below the soil surface, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Do not bury them too deep, as this will delay the emergence of the spears. Focus on the Crown Cover the crowns with another 2 to 3 inches of soil, and water well. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil, until it is level with the ground. This will help protect the crowns from frost and weeds. Add Mulch Mulch the bed with straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every few weeks during the growing season, to encourage healthy growth. Keep in Mind Do not harvest any asparagus spears in the first year, as they need to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can harvest a few spears for a short period, about two to three weeks. In the third year and beyond, you can harvest asparagus for a longer period, up to eight weeks, depending on the climate and the health of the plants. How to Harvest Asparagus? Now, coming to the most important part that you wanted to know about. Let us talk about the ways to harvest asparagus! To harvest asparagus, you need a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You should cut the spears at the base, about an inch below the soil surface. Be careful not to damage the crown or the emerging spears. You should also avoid cutting too many spears from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one-third of the spears on each plant. You should harvest asparagus every day or every other day, depending on how fast the spears grow. You should stop harvesting asparagus when the spears become thinner than a pencil, as this indicates that the plant is running out of energy. You should then let the spears grow into ferns, which will replenish the crown and prepare it for the next season. How to Store and Freeze Asparagus? Unlike lettuce, which you can store for more than a week, asparagus is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. If you can't eat it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, you should trim the ends of the spears and stand them upright in a glass of water or wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. If you want to preserve asparagus for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze asparagus, you should first wash and trim the spears, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the thickness. Blanching is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. After blanching, you should drain and cool the spears, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze asparagus for up to a year, and use it in soups, casseroles, or stir-fries. How to Prevent and Treat Asparagus Pests and Diseases? Asparagus is generally a hardy and resilient plant, but it can still suffer from some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and quality. Here are some of the most common problems that affect asparagus plants, and how to prevent or treat them: Asparagus beetles These are small, black or red beetles that feed on the spears and the ferns, causing them to wilt and turn brown. They can also lay eggs on the spears, which hatch into larvae that chew on the stems and leaves. To prevent asparagus beetles, you should keep the area around the plants clean and weed-free, and remove any old or damaged spears. To treat asparagus beetles, you can hand-pick them and their eggs, or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fusarium wilt This is a fungal disease that infects the roots and the crowns of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It can also cause the spears to become yellow, twisted, and stunted. Fusarium wilt is more likely to occur in poorly drained, acidic, or infested soil. To prevent fusarium wilt, you should plant disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat fusarium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and apply fungicides to the soil. Rust This is another fungal disease that affects the ferns, causing them to develop orange or brown spots and pustules. Rust can reduce the vigor and yield of the plants, and make them more susceptible to other diseases. Rust is more likely to occur in humid, wet, or shady conditions. To prevent rust, you should plant resistant varieties, space the plants well, and prune any excess or infected ferns. To treat rust, you should apply fungicides to the ferns, and avoid watering them from above. Crown rot This is a bacterial disease that causes the crowns and the bases of the spears to become soft, mushy, and foul-smelling. Crown rot can spread quickly and kill the plants. Crown rot is more likely to occur in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil. To prevent crown rot, you should plant healthy crowns, improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, and avoid overwatering or injuring the plants. To treat crown rot, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, and disinfect the tools and the soil. Bonus: How to Cook and Enjoy Asparagus? There are many ways to cook and enjoy asparagus, from steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, to sautéing. The key is not to overcook it, as it will become mushy and lose its flavor. You should cook asparagus until it is bright green and crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method and the thickness of the spears. You can season asparagus with salt, pepper, butter, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, cheese, or any other condiments you like. You can also pair asparagus with eggs, bacon, ham, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, or salad. Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can complement any meal. Wrapping It Up! Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable that you can grow and harvest in your own garden. It's easy to care for, once you know how to harvest asparagus properly. You should harvest asparagus when the spears are about 6 to 10 inches tall and before the tips start to open up. You should cut the spears at the base and leave some on the plant to grow into ferns. It would be best to store asparagus in the refrigerator for later use. And yes, you should also enjoy the many benefits and flavors of asparagus, by cooking it in various ways and pairing it with different dishes. Asparagus is a springtime delight that you don't want to miss. Learn More About: Planting & Harvesting Mint 7 Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits

The Different Kinds of Toilets

One of the efficient and convenient offerings of civilization is having the convenience to simply sit down or squat and answer the call of nature without worrying about modesty or potentially dangerous creatures slithering on the ground. The invention of the toilet was a mark of progress for mankind. Some may think that there is only one kind of toilet. But the market has an abundance of toilets in any shape and form that it can be a headache to choose which one will suit one’s needs best. Technology makes it possible to equip something as simple as a toilet with innovative functions like automatic flushing and bidets—a fascinating change from what humans were used to centuries ago. For families and homeowners who are planning to do a bathroom upgrade or thinking of one to add to their new homes, picking the most suitable toilet for their needs is not only a priority but also a sensible step before going through with the installation. Here are the different toilets one can choose from. Different Kinds of Toilets: 1. The Two-Piece Toilet: The toilet and the ceramic tank are created separately and only connected with bolts during installation. It is mounted on the floor, making it ideal for adults because of its suitable height. It can also be easily transported because the tank and the bowl are separate. The two-piece toilet is probably the most commonly used type of toilet in US households. 2. The One-Piece Toilet: Unlike the former, one-piece toilets have an integrated tank and bowl, giving it a seamless, functional look. It is also slightly heavier; thus, it is not advisable if one is looking for a wall-hung model. Because of the absence of a gap between the tank and the body, the one-piece toilet is more manageable to clean and maintain. 3. Eco-Friendly Toilet: For those are who are concerned about the environment, eco-friendly toilets are the trend. There are toilets that minimize the use of water for flushing. One example is the Sanicompact toilet, a self-contained system that includes a china toilet bowl and macerator pump built into one compact unit. It can save water since it only requires a smaller amount than most toilets do in order to function. Others, like the composting toilets, break down waste into nutrient-rich soil. It is powered by electricity or batteries. 4. The Smart Toilet: Some toilets are made for comfort but without compromising their functionality. Intelligent upgrades include heated seats, automatic flushers, self-cleaning wands, and deodorizing seats. Some are equipped with sensors that automatically open the toilet seat when someone approaches. This type of toilet allows homeowners to keep up with the trend while attending to their needs. 5. The Squat Toilet: Prevalent in the Middle East, this toilet type is made of a pan on the floor level that requires one to squat when doing the business. It may be equipped with a water cistern for flushing, or it can also make use of a bucket of water. There Are Lots Out There: There are many more toilet types that can fascinate and expand one’s knowledge of toilet evolution. Some have intriguing histories, like the portable toilet developed during World War II by shipbuilders who wanted to make the most of their employees’ services by cutting down their need for toilet trek from the ships to the docks. Others are a reflection of the culture where they were birthed. People can learn a lot just by following the evolution of toilets. There are many more toilet types that can fascinate and expand one’s knowledge of toilet evolution. Some have intriguing histories, like the portable toilet for construction sites developed during World War II by shipbuilders who wanted to make the most of their employees’ services by cutting down their need for toilet trek from the ships to the docks. Others are a reflection of the culture where they were birthed. People can learn a lot just by following the evolution of toilets. Read More : 1. Pack And Move Without The Hassle 2. Using Feng Shui In Your Bathroom Design 3. Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less

Convex Mirror – An Essential Thing For Your Daily Needs

The convex mirror otherwise known as a fish-eye mirror is used in many places for protection and to avoid accidents. It is one of the simple ways to alert you to impending dangers. You don't need to spend a fortune for sophisticated security systems in order to protect your home. There are many varieties of mirrors for your safety like dome mirrors and bathroom safety mirrors. However, they are one of the most flexible mirrors. These mirrors allow you to view different directions without having to adjust the mirror or allowing others to know what you are looking for. What is a Convex Mirror? Convex mirrors are made of acrylic or glass and are hardened to make it unbreakable. They diverge light to reflect images. These mirrors have a broad view as against ordinary mirrors. Vehicles use these mirrors to provide a rear view to the drivers. It is also used in stores, grocery shops, etc. as a security device. They can be used both indoor and also in outdoor. They are easy to install and affordable. Why do you need a convex mirror? A convex mirror has several applications. It is used in huge apartment complexes and commercial buildings for security. It allows security personnel to check on intruders and to help them in alerting for a possible attack or security breach. It is important because it can provide adequate time to plan and be prepared for any attack either by calling the police or face them yourself. You can avoid a lot of damage to the people and property just with this simple device. It also saves a lot of money since it can avoid shoplifting. You can use these mirrors as an additional accessory along with a camera to enhance the visibility. They provide multiple angles simultaneously allowing the camera to record several angles of a scene. It can be a very useful investigative material for law enforcing agencies to nab the guilty. You could also use them effectively in parking spaces to regulate and avoid any untoward accidents. These mirrors at street bends can make the riding safer. An outdoor mirror can avoid a lot of accidents since they provide a view of the corners. Advantages & disadvantages The most important advantage of a convex mirror is the ability to provide different angles from a stationary point. However, the clarity is sacrificed which is the major disadvantage of the convex mirror. They are also resistant to extreme weather conditions making them ideal for outdoor use. You just have to take care that they don't get covered in frost. If the mirror is covered with frost then it will lead to dangers since people will have a false sense of security which can be damaging. How to use? When you are choosing the mirror, you need to make sure that you decide on the location you intend to install them. If the location is a small one, it is enough if you use a flat mirror. However, larger areas need a convex mirror for better visibility from different angles. You should also decide whether you want to use them indoors or outside. These mirrors can also be used in cell phones to take better selfies. Where to buy? You can but these mirrors from a store at your location selling mirrors or order them from online stores, it sells security items for both indoor as well as outdoor use. Online stores provide at a much cheaper cost. You could buy them for as little as $20. However, the cost varies depending on size and the type of use. If the size is bigger and is for outdoor use, it may cost higher going up to even $180. These are one of the low-cost convex mirrors safety devices to protect yourself & your property. You can use them outdoor to avoid accidents or indoors to prevent shoplifting etc. You can buy them online at an affordable cost.

All You Need To Know About Resurrection Plant And Its Facts

What Is A Resurrection Plant?

Overview Of The Resurrection Plant