Watering schedule

How often to water Resurrection Spike Moss (Selaginella tamariscina) — the schedule

Also called Tamarisk Spike Moss, Resurrection Plant.

More about resurrection spike moss

Watering at a glance

Base rhythm	Can be kept moist year-round or allowed to dry fully and rehydrated on demand
Spring / summer	Spring and summer: water when the top of the soil is dry to roughly a knuckle deep — typically when the soil tells you it is time.
Autumn	Autumn: growth slows, so stretch the interval and let it dry a little more between waterings.
Winter	Winter: water noticeably less — often half as often — because low light and dormancy slow water use right down.
Light	Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window)

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.

Ideal humidity: 40-70%

Watch for — Plant stays permanently curled: Permanently dry conditions prevent the plant from opening. Rehydrate thoroughly and maintain at least moderate humidity.

The watering schedule, season by season

Resurrection Spike Moss likes a soak-then-partly-dry rhythm — let the top of the soil dry before watering again, and never leave it standing in water. The base rhythm for resurrection spike moss is can be kept moist year-round or allowed to dry fully and rehydrated on demand, but the real interval moves with the season, the light and the pot — so treat the figures below as a starting point and always confirm with the plant itself.

Spring & summer (active growth): Spring and summer: water when the top of the soil is dry to roughly a knuckle deep — typically when the soil tells you it is time.
Autumn (slowing down): Autumn: growth slows, so stretch the interval and let it dry a little more between waterings.
Winter (rest / dormancy): Winter: water noticeably less — often half as often — because low light and dormancy slow water use right down.

This plant is notable for its desiccation tolerance. For continuous lush growth, keep the substrate lightly moist. Alternatively, allow it to dry and curl, then rehydrate by immersing in water for 30-60 minutes to see the dramatic resurrection response.

Want this turned into a live reminder that adjusts to your home and the weather? The Growli watering calculator takes your pot size, light and season and returns a starting interval for resurrection spike moss in seconds.

How to tell resurrection spike moss needs water

A calendar is the worst way to water resurrection spike moss. Check the plant and the soil instead — for this species, look for these signals in order:

The top 2-3 cm of soil is dry to the touch (or a knuckle-deep finger test comes back dry).
Lifting the pot, it feels distinctly light.
Leaves droop slightly or lose a little of their gloss just before they truly need water.

The most reliable single check is the first one on that list. When two signals agree, water; when they disagree, wait a day and look again — under-watering resurrection spike moss for a day is almost always safer than over-watering it.

Overwatering vs underwatering resurrection spike moss

The two failure modes can look alike at a glance, so check the soil weight and wetness before you decide. For resurrection spike moss specifically:

Signs you are overwatering

Yellowing lower leaves and a pot that stays wet and heavy for days.
Soft, brown, mushy stems or a sour soil smell — root rot.
Fungus gnats breeding in permanently damp soil.

Signs you are underwatering

Drooping, curling leaves with crispy brown edges that perk up after watering.
The rootball shrinks away from the pot and water runs straight down the sides.
Slow growth and a generally tired, washed-out look.

Watering resurrection spike moss on a fixed weekly calendar regardless of season is the most common mistake — in dim winter light the same routine drowns it. Check the soil, not the date.

Water quality notes

Tap water is generally fine for resurrection spike moss. If your water is very hard and you see brown leaf tips, switch to filtered or rainwater.

Seasonal and environmental adjusters

Every figure above shifts with the conditions in your home. For resurrection spike moss, the levers that matter most are:

More light and warmth speed drying; the brighter the spot, the shorter the real interval.
Pot size and material matter — small terracotta pots dry far faster than large glazed or plastic ones.
Lifting the pot to feel its weight is more reliable than any calendar for judging when to water.

Pot choice is part of this too — work out the right size with the pot size calculator, since a pot that is too big stays wet long enough to rot the roots of resurrection spike moss.

Resurrection Spike Moss watering — frequently asked questions

How often should I water resurrection spike moss?

Water resurrection spike moss can be kept moist year-round or allowed to dry fully and rehydrated on demand. Spring and summer: water when the top of the soil is dry to roughly a knuckle deep — typically when the soil tells you it is time. Winter: water noticeably less — often half as often — because low light and dormancy slow water use right down.

How do I know when resurrection spike moss needs water?

The top 2-3 cm of soil is dry to the touch (or a knuckle-deep finger test comes back dry). Lifting the pot, it feels distinctly light. Leaves droop slightly or lose a little of their gloss just before they truly need water. The single most reliable test for resurrection spike moss is the first signal on that list — checking the soil or the plant directly always beats watering by the calendar.

What does an overwatered resurrection spike moss look like?

Yellowing lower leaves and a pot that stays wet and heavy for days. Soft, brown, mushy stems or a sour soil smell — root rot. Fungus gnats breeding in permanently damp soil. Watering resurrection spike moss on a fixed weekly calendar regardless of season is the most common mistake — in dim winter light the same routine drowns it. Check the soil, not the date.

What are the signs of an underwatered resurrection spike moss?

Drooping, curling leaves with crispy brown edges that perk up after watering. The rootball shrinks away from the pot and water runs straight down the sides. Slow growth and a generally tired, washed-out look.

Can I use tap water on resurrection spike moss?