How to Grow Sanjeevani Plant in India

Have you ever wondered whether the Sanjeevani Plant which you heard about in the Ramayana was real? Check out this article to clear your doubts!

In the mythological epic “Ramayana” it is said that lord Hanuman carried a mountain with the Sanjeevani Plant to cure Laxaman. Whether this is true or not is debatable however one thing which is known for a fact is that the Sanjeevani Plant has medicinal properties. Let’s have a look at it in detail.

Botanical Name: Selaginella bryopteris

Common Names: Sanjeevini Booti, Sanjeevani, Hanuman Sanjeevani

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Sanjeevani Plant Information

Selaginella bryopteris, also popular as the Sanjeevani Plant or resurrection plant, is a species of fern that belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. This plant is native to India and is common in the Western Ghats region. It is famous for its unique ability to revive quickly, giving it the name “resurrection plant”.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the plant has various medicinal uses, from treating ailments such as jaundice, and asthma, to diabetes. Recent research has also shows that the plant contains various bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for developing new drugs.

Propagating Sanjeevani Plant

Propagating Sanjeevani Plant is really easy using stem cuttings.

1. Prepare a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
2. Take a healthy stem cutting with 2-3 leaves and a length of around 4-5 inches.
3. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few on top.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
5. Make a hole in the soil and insert the stem cutting into it, ensuring that the bottom node is buried in the soil.
6. Water the soil lightly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
7. Place the pot in a well-lit area but away from direct sunlight.
8. After about 2-3 weeks, new growth should appear on the stem cutting, indicating successful propagation.

Requirements to Grow Sanjeevani Plant

Sunlight

It prefers a shaded or partially shaded environment, making Sanjeevani Plant suitable for indoor growing or outdoor cultivation in areas with low to medium sunlight intensity.

In general, the Sanjeevani plant requires around 4-6 hours of light per day, specifically the mild morning sun.

Soil

The Sanjeevani Plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A growing mix consisting of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand or vermiculite is ideal for growing this plant. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Watering

It is best to water the plant when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch. Do not water Sanjeevani Plant on a daily basis to avoid root rot and other problems. Also, make sure that you are never letting the soil to go dry completely.

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Temperature

The plant is well adapted to warm and humid environments, but can also tolerate cooler temperatures. It can grow well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

However, protect it from extreme environmental conditions and sudden changes in temperature, which can cause stress and damage the plant.

Humidity

The Sanjeevani Plant prefers a humid environment with a relative humidity level of around 50% or higher. In dry climates or during the winter months when the air is drier, it may be necessary to increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase the moisture in the air.

Taking Care of Sanjeevani Plant

Fertilizer

The Sanjeevani Plant can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be used once a month during the growing season.

It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to fertilizer burn and other issues.

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Pruning

Pruning Sanjeevani Plant is not necessary for its growth, but it can help to promote a bushier appearance. Remove any dead or damaged leaves from time to time. This activity can also help to maintain the plant’s shape and size.

Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, as dull or dirty tools can damage the plant and introduce disease.

Pests and Diseases

Sanjeevani Plant is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, which can be prevented by ensuring the soil has proper drainage and avoiding waterlogging the soil. Powdery mildew and other fungal diseases can be prevented by ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding excess humidity.

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