How to Grow Dragon Claw Ivy
Wikimedia Commons
Dragon Claw Ivy
Selaginella lepidophylla
vineDragon Claw Ivy is a unique resurrection plant known for its distinctive claw-like, curled fronds that resemble a dragon's claws. It is a low-growing, creeping fern ally native to the Chihuahuan Desert that can survive extreme desiccation and revive when rehydrated. Despite its common name, it is not a true ivy but rather a primitive vascular plant in the Selaginellaceae family.
When should you plant Dragon Claw Ivy in your zone?
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Example Dragon Claw Ivy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dragon Claw Ivy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Dragon Claw Ivy
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; best as a houseplant or in warm climates
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Dormancy/Dry Rest
2-6 months or longer depending on conditionsFronds curl tightly into compact, claw-like rosettes and appear gray or brown; plant enters a desiccated, dormant state.
Withhold water or water only occasionally. This is a natural, healthy state for this resurrection plant. Maintain cool temperatures if possible.
Rehydration/Reviving
1-3 daysUpon watering or high humidity exposure, fronds gradually unfurl and turn green within hours to days, becoming turgid and vibrant.
Rehydrate slowly by misting or gentle watering rather than sudden soaking. Provide bright, indirect light to support photosynthesis.
Active Growth
1-3 monthsFronds are fully expanded, green, and feathery; new growth emerges from the rhizome center. Plant is actively photosynthesizing.
Water moderately to keep soil lightly moist (not soggy). Provide bright, indirect light. Keep in warm conditions (65-80°F). Fertilize lightly with diluted balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks if desired.
Pre-Dormancy
2-4 weeksGrowth slows; fronds may begin to lighten in color and curl slightly as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Gradually reduce watering frequency. Allow soil to dry out progressively. Reduce fertilization. Lower temperatures if possible to trigger dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting; rinse fronds with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe.
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Improve drainage; allow soil to dry between waterings; use mosquito dunks or diatomaceous earth in soil.
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
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Remove manually with brush or cloth; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil.
Uses
Unique Houseplant & Conversation Piece
HouseholdDragon Claw Ivy is prized as an exotic, low-maintenance indoor plant that demonstrates extraordinary desiccation tolerance. Its ability to 'resurrect' from a completely dried state makes it a fascinating botanical curiosity for collectors and science enthusiasts. [source]
Traditional Folk Medicine
MedicinalIn its native Mexican regions, Selaginella lepidophylla has been used traditionally to prepare herbal infusions believed to support respiratory health and general vitality. Scientific research on its bioactive compounds is ongoing. [source]
Educational & Botanical Display
CraftDragon Claw Ivy is used in botanical gardens, greenhouses, and educational settings to teach about plant physiology, desert adaptation, and the diversity of fern allies. Its striking appearance makes it a standout display specimen. [source]
Desert Ecosystem Indicator
WildlifeIn its native Chihuahuan Desert habitat, Dragon Claw Ivy plays an ecological role as an indicator species of arid rocky areas and is part of specialized desert plant communities. Growing it supports appreciation for desert conservation. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Dragon Claw Ivy is not harvested for food or typical garden use. In cultivation, simply enjoy the plant as a living curiosity. No traditional harvest applies; maintenance involves removing dead or diseased fronds and allowing natural dormancy cycles.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dragon Claw Ivy can lose up to 95% of its water content and enter a dormant, mummified state, then fully revive within hours of rehydration—a process called 'poikilohydry' that has fascinated botanists for centuries.
- 🌱 The plant is a living fossil; it belongs to an ancient lineage of primitive vascular plants (Selaginellaceae) that has remained largely unchanged for over 300 million years.
- 🌱 In Mexico, Dragon Claw Ivy is sometimes called 'Doradilla' or 'Siempreviva del desierto' (Desert Everlasting) and is collected, dried, and sold as a natural curiosity that can be 'brought back to life' with water.
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