Rose of Jericho Plant Care

Have you ever heard of the resurrection plant? Not, then we want to introduce you to it the Rose of Jericho. But why is it known as the revival plant?

Well, even if you do not believe it, some plants can survive without water for years, and this is one of those plants.

Today we at Plantly want to help you care for this unique plant species. And if you have not yet invested in one, you may wish to at the end of this article.

More About The Resurrection Plant

rose of jericho plant

The Rose of Jericho is a small moss-like plant that has greyish foliage. Although this outdoor plant remains under a foot high when water is absent, it’s branches contract to curl up, making it look like a dead root ball.

The plant will blow around in the wind looking like a tumbleweed in search of a fountain of water. But, once it gets enough, it returns to life, unfurling those gorgeous green foliage. Pretty impressive, right?

Still, that is not all that makes this a unique plant. The Rose of Jericho is also a small flowering plant that grows in the deserts of Central Africa and the Middle East. As a result, it can adapt to survive droughts.

Once the foliage opens up, it has a fern-like form producing small white flowers with spoon-shaped seeds that become sticky when exposed to moisture. The sticky substance helps seeds germinate when in contact with soil.

As soon as the seeds receive water, they can germinate within 12 hours. Yet, the seeds, compared to the plant itself, cannot survive for long if it does not get water. The resurrection plants from the Anastatica hierochuntica species belong to the Brassicaceae (Mustard) family.

Strangely enough, it is a rare plant comprising a single species. The Jericho plant has other common names like the dinosaur plant, white mustard flower, and Mary’s flower, to name a few.

Rose of Jericho Care

rose of jericho plant

Compared to other indoor plants, the Rose of Jericho is easy to keep and needs regular watering. But for more insight into the Rose of Jericho plant care, read the following section below. Another fun thing is it is a hard-to-kill plant.

Rose of Jericho Classification

rose of jericho care card

The Type of Soil That Rose of Jericho Needs

When you receive your Jericho plant, it will look different from your other potted plants. You receive it as a dried brown ball. Even planting your Jericho rose is different from other plants. Your plant has roots, but the difference is that it does not need soil to grow.

All you need is a shallow dish without drainage holes. Yes, you keep hearing us say your plant needs well-draining soil but not in this case. Now, you can fill your container with some gravel and pebbles.

gravel

Your dish will look similar to a humidity tray as you must fill the container with water, barely submerging the gravel. Next, you place your Rose of Jericho on the stones for the roots to come in contact with the water.

Now, it does not mean you must use a container with water as you can plant the two plants in soil. Yet, a note of warning the False Rose first needs root in water, and the two plants can grow quite large in soil.

Light Requirement for Rose of Jericho

rose of jericho plant in full sun

As the resurrection plant grows in the desert, it thrives in full sun when it has water. So, providing your True Rose with indirect light is essential. If your plant receives adequate water and you notice the leaves curling move it to a brighter spot with direct sunlight.

Still, when it comes to Jericho care, this plant can survive a dark box.

How To Water Rose of Jericho Plants

When you receive your dried baby, give it some distilled water. If you provide it with tap water, it helps to leave the water stand overnight for the chemicals to evaporate. Furthermore, it also helps to give this perennial plant water-free breaks.

When you place your plant on the moist pebbles, you notice it unfurl into a beautiful plant in about four hours. The important thing is to change the water daily or every second day with lukewarm water. Another important thing with the Jericho indoors is to remove it from the water for the day.

You can give your resurrection fern water breaks every seven days as it helps prevent mold or rotting. Still, another helpful Jericho care tip is to remove your plant from water once a month to allow it to completely dry. Doing this helps to enhance the plant’s health.

You can also grow your True Rose as an epiphyte attached to another plant. Then you only need to give it a misting regularly and remember to give it water breaks. When grown in the potting medium, keep the soil moist.

Grooming and Fertilizing The Rose of Jericho

The Jericho plant is spectacular with emerald green foliage once it unfolds after the plant remains brown when not receiving water.

The Jericho rose thrives in indirect sunlight and needs no pruning or fertilizer. Still, you can remove the unhealthy and dead leaves when pruning.

The best time to do light pruning is when the Jericho Rose awakens.

Temperature and Humidity Levels

Regarding humidity levels, there are no particular needs for the resurrection plant. You need not do extra maintenance for moisture except mist if the Rose of Jericho grows as an epiphyte. Also, remember to use distilled water instead of tap water where possible.

Furthermore, Jericho care and temperature, the plant does well in average room temperatures and can survive common cold to frost ( Below 20 degrees F ) outdoors. Still, we recommend keeping your Rose of Jericho away from extreme fluctuations in the temperature.

So, keeping your resurrection plant away from drafts, heaters, fans, or air conditioners is best.

Propagation of The Rose of Jericho

As the Rose of Jericho is not readily available, it helps to propagate your plant using the seed or through division. Still, both techniques need loads of patience.

When using seed, you can sprinkle it into moist soil and care for it like other plants. Then, with the decision, you can cut away a few stems in the dormant stage so that it looks like a dead plant.

You can then place the stems into a container filled with water, gravel, and pebbles. Or you can grow the cuttings in loose soil.

If you have more than one Rose of Jericho, you can keep some of them in a paper bag in a dark cupboard until you decide it is time for the plant’s revival.

The False Rose of Jericho

dry rose of jericho plant in a glass container

Still, in the plant kingdom, if you want to buy the resurrection plant, do not get confused with the Selaginella lepidophylla, as both have similar resurrection properties. Yet, the False Rose is more beautiful and much easier to find between the two.

The Rose of Jericho is rare because it is harder to grow as it needs true roots to help absorb water. While the false rose, also known as the stone flower, only needs its distorted roots to rejuvenate. Still, with the name resurrection, many myths surround these plants.

Hoodoo believers suggest that the plant is a source of prosperity. While Christians again display the plant during Christmas time, associating it with Mary’s opening womb with the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Santeria, Maryam’s flower, according to the people, brings happiness.

Problems with Rose of Jericho

While the True Rose is an easy plant to care for, it can face some problems.

The Resurrection Plant Remains Brown

dried rose of jericho plant

If you find you have placed your plant on barely submerged pebbles and it opens partially and does not get green while looking brown, your plant is dead. Yes, you may find a few plants remaining in their dried form can also die.

The Jericho Plant Takes Long to Open Up

When you place your dried plant into water, it should open up in four hours, but if it takes longer, there are some reasons it might not. First, your plant could be dead, or the water you used was too cold. Secondly, the light might be inadequate. We recommend placing your plant in brighter light.

Moss Build Up

If you notice your baby getting smelly, mushy, black, or brown, it can rot and results in your plant standing too long in the water. All you need to do is remove it from the water and leave it to dry. You can also remove the discolored parts to recover sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Place your Rose of Jericho in a shallow dish of water in a bright location. It will unfurl and revive when watered and close when dry.

The Rose of Jericho is a resilient desert plant known for its ability to revive after drying out. When placed in water, it unfurls and appears green. Its lifespan depends on care and conditions, but it can survive for several years if properly hydrated and cared for.

If your Rose of Jericho doesn’t turn green, it might be dead. Irregular periods of drought, sudden temperature changes, or prolonged water soaking can cause damage. The True Rose of Jericho will perish if uprooted. Proper care and avoiding these factors can help ensure its survival.

The Rose of Jericho is not cold-hardy and cannot survive freezing temperatures during winter. It is a desert plant adapted to warm and arid conditions. To ensure its survival during the colder months, it’s best to keep it indoors in a dry and warm environment or bring it inside if you live in a region with freezing winter temperatures.

A resurrection plant, such as the Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla), can survive without water for an extended period due to its unique adaptation to arid conditions. In a dormant state, it can go without water for weeks, months, or even years. Once water is provided, it will “resurrect” and revive within a few hours to a day.

The Rose of Jericho is a unique and hardy plant that can survive in harsh conditions. It is not a typical houseplant, and it does not require regular fertilization. In its natural environment, it relies on nutrients present in the soil or water it absorbs when it unfurls after being exposed to water.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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