← Plant Guides

How to Grow Dragon's Claw

Wikimedia Commons

Dragon's Claw

Selaginella lepidophylla

herb

Dragon's Claw, also known as the resurrection plant, is a unique fern ally native to the Chihuahuan Desert that can survive extreme dehydration and revive when rehydrated. Its tightly curled, claw-like fronds give it its distinctive appearance and common name. This low-growing plant is primarily grown as a novelty houseplant for its remarkable ability to seemingly 'resurrect' itself.

When should you plant Dragon's Claw in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Dragon's Claw timeline →

Example Dragon's Claw timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Dragon's Claw

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Dragon's Claw

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dragon's Claw dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; 4-6 hours of filtered light daily; avoid direct scorching sun
💧
Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; prefers infrequent watering; overwatering is the primary cause of failure
📏
Spacing: 6 inches
📅
Days to maturity: N/A (slow-growing; reaches mature size in 2-3 years)
🌱
Planting depth: Surface planting; do not bury; keep rhizome at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining rocky or sandy soil, similar to desert conditions
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite Coarse sand Pumice Minimal organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10-11; best grown indoors in containers for most climates

10a 10b 11a 11b

Sign up free to see if Dragon's Claw grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Dragon's Claw timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Establishment

1-2 weeks

Newly potted plant may appear dormant or curled; fronds tightly furled

Allow 1-2 weeks to acclimate to new environment; light misting acceptable during this period; ensure excellent drainage

2

Unfurling

1-2 days

When rehydrated, fronds gradually uncurl and unfold, revealing bright green color

Provide humidity through misting; fronds may take 24-48 hours to fully open; do not force unfurling

3

Active Growth

Weeks to months

Plant displays open, fern-like fronds in bright green; new growth emerges from central crown

Water sparingly only when soil is completely dry; reduce watering frequency; maintain bright indirect light

4

Dormancy/Desiccation

Variable (weeks to months)

Fronds curl tightly into claw-like balls when soil dries out; plant appears dead but is dormant

This is normal and part of the plant's survival mechanism; do not panic; plant can remain in this state for months or years

5

Revival

1-2 days for visible revival

Upon rehydration, the curled, seemingly dead plant slowly revives and unfurls

Water gradually and thoroughly; allow 24-48 hours for visible unfurling; repeat cycle as desired

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Other drought-tolerant houseplants Succulents Cacti Echeveria Jade plant

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants Ferns requiring consistent humidity Tropical houseplants Calathea Maidenhair fern

Common Pests

  • Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil if severe; isolate plant from others

  • Increase humidity temporarily with misting; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation

  • Remove by hand with tweezers; treat with horticultural oil; monitor regularly

Uses

🏠

Living Novelty & Resurrection Demonstration

Household

Dragon's Claw is prized as a unique living demonstration of extreme desiccation tolerance, serving as an educational and entertaining houseplant that 'revives' when watered after drying out completely. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In traditional Mexican and Chinese medicine, Selaginella lepidophylla has been used to support respiratory health and general vitality, though scientific evidence remains limited. [source]

🎨

Terrarium & Miniature Landscape Decoration

Craft

The unique curled, sculptural form makes it an excellent choice for decorative terrariums, fairy gardens, and miniature desert landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This plant is not harvested for consumption or material use; it is purely ornamental. The 'resurrection' demonstration is the primary interactive use—allow the plant to dry completely, then rehydrate by watering thoroughly to observe the unfurling process.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Dragon's Claw can lose up to 95% of its water content and still survive; it is one of the few plants capable of true poikilohydry, meaning it allows its water content to equilibrate with its environment.
  • 🌱 The plant can remain completely desiccated for years and revive with just a single watering, making it one of nature's most extreme survival specialists.
  • 🌱 In Mexico, the plant is known as 'doradilla' (little golden one) and has been used as a folk remedy for centuries; it is also sometimes called 'dinosaur plant' in the houseplant trade.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown
Shop Dragon's Claw plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Dragon's Claw planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Dragon's Claw seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Dragon's Claw timeline →