Repotting guide

When & how to repot Resurrection Spike Moss (Selaginella tamariscina)

Also called Tamarisk Spike Moss, Resurrection Plant.

More about resurrection spike moss

About Resurrection Spike Moss

Selaginella tamariscina · also called Tamarisk Spike Moss, Resurrection Plant · houseplant

Resurrection Spike Moss is a remarkable spike moss native to rocky areas of East and Southeast Asia, widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In drought conditions the plant curls into a tight ball; on rehydration it opens and turns bright green within hours. An unusual curiosity houseplant. Considered non-toxic to pets.

Mature size: 5-15 cm tall in rosette form, spreading 10-25 cm wide

How to tell resurrection spike moss needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For resurrection spike moss, watch for these signs:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the rootball lifting the plant proud of the rim.
Soil that has shrunk away from the pot sides and no longer holds water.
The pot is unstable because the plant has grown top-heavy.
Old, compacted, broken-down mix that stays wet too long — for a succulent that is a rot risk, so refresh it even if the pot size is fine.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot resurrection spike moss

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Resurrection Spike Moss's growth habit — rosette-forming spike moss that curls into a ball when dry — sets the pace. Resurrection Spike Moss is a remarkable spike moss native to rocky areas of East and Southeast Asia, widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In drought conditions the plant curls into a tight ball; on rehydration it opens and turns bright green within hours. An unusual curiosity houseplant. Considered non-toxic to pets.

What size pot to step resurrection spike moss up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Resurrection Spike Moss stores water and rots in a large pot of slow-drying soil. A tight terracotta pot that dries fast is far safer than a generous plastic one. Never up-pot a succulent by several sizes.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot resurrection spike moss

Spring or summer, while resurrection spike moss is in active growth and warm, is best — roots recover fastest then, and the plant is not sitting in cool damp soil. Avoid repotting a succulent in winter dormancy.

Step-by-step: repotting resurrection spike moss

Repot dry. Do not water resurrection spike moss for several days first. Working with dry roots and dry mix dramatically lowers the rot risk for a succulent.
Pick a snug, fast-draining pot. Choose terracotta one size up at most, with a drainage hole. Have gritty gritty, free-draining mix with some organic matter ready.
Tip it out and clean the roots. Slide the plant out, crumble off the old soil, and trim any black, mushy or dead roots with clean snips.
Pot into dry mix. Set resurrection spike moss at its original depth in dry gritty mix, firming gently. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
Wait a week before watering. Leave it completely dry and out of harsh sun for about 7 days so any damaged roots callus. Only then water lightly.

Aftercare

Keep resurrection spike moss completely dry and out of fierce sun for about a week so any nicked roots callus before they meet moisture; watering a freshly repotted succulent is the classic way to rot it. Then resume the normal lean, dry rhythm. Do not fertilise for about 3 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for resurrection spike moss

Resurrection Spike Moss wants gritty, free-draining mix with some organic matter. Use a mix of sand or fine grit, coco coir, and a little loam. The plant is adapted to rocky, shallow soils and tolerates lean conditions. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive mixes unless you plan to keep it consistently moist. pH 5.5-7.0. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting resurrection spike moss — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot resurrection spike moss?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for resurrection spike moss. Repot resurrection spike moss every 2–3 years into a snug pot of gritty, free-draining mix with some organic matter, ideally in spring or summer. Let it sit in dry soil and do not water for about a week afterwards so any nicked roots can callus. Over-potting and watering straight away is what rots succulents.

What size pot does resurrection spike moss need?

When is the best time of year to repot resurrection spike moss?

Should you water resurrection spike moss after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot resurrection spike moss into dry mix and wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots callus over. Watering a freshly repotted succulent is the single most common way to rot one.

Should you fertilise resurrection spike moss after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 3 weeks after repotting resurrection spike moss. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.