Rose Of Jericho

Have you ever seen a plant come back from the dead? The rose of jericho is a miraculous desert resurrection plant that does exactly that. For centuries, this botanical wonder has fascinated gardeners and plant lovers with its incredible ability to survive extreme drought. It looks like a dry, brown tumbleweed when dormant, but add water and it unfurls into vibrant green life within hours. It’s a perfect, low-maintenance plant for curious beginners and experienced growers alike.

This guide will show you everything you need to know. We’ll cover its unique biology, how to care for it, and the beautiful traditions that surround it. You’ll learn how to make this resilient plant a thriving part of your home.

Let’s clear up a common point of confusion first. There are actually two different plants sold under the name “Rose of Jericho.” Both are resurrection plants, but they’re from different families and parts of the world. Knowing which one you have is key to proper care.

The Two Types of Resurrection Roses

True Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica):

Native to the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa.
This is the plant mentioned in historical and biblical texts.
It’s an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one season.
When it dies, its stems curl inward, forming a tight ball that protects its seeds. It tumbles in the wind, scattering seeds when it finally gets rain.
Once it opens and releases its seeds, it will not open again. Its resurrection is a one-time event for reproduction.

False Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla):

Native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and the southwestern United States.
This is a type of spike moss, a primitive vascular plant.
It’s a perennial, meaning it can live for many years.
It can cycle between dormant and active states repeatedly, for decades. This is the plant most commonly sold as a novelty “resurrection plant” today.
It spreads by spores, not seeds.

For the rest of this article, we’ll focus on the Selaginella lepidophylla, as it’s the one you can enjoy for years with proper care. Its ability to resurrect again and again is what makes it so special for indoor gardeners.

The Science Behind the “Miracle”

How does this plant cheat death? It’s not magic—it’s brilliant survival strategy called poikilohydry. Most plants wilt and die when they lose too much water because their cell structure collapses irreparably.

The Rose of Jericho is different. It prepares for drought by:

Slowly shutting down its metabolic processes as water becomes scarce.
Producing special sugars and proteins that protect its cell membranes and vital structures from complete destruction.
Curling its stems inward to minimize surface area and reduce moisture loss even further.

In this state, it can lose over 95% of its water content and survive for years. When water returns, those protective compounds allow it to rehydrate safely, its cells plump back up, and photosynthesis resumes within a day or two. It’s a master of waiting.

Where to Source Your Plant

You can often find these plants in garden centers, especially around holidays like Easter. They are also widely available online. When purchasing, look for a dry, ball-shaped plant that feels light and brittle. Avoid any that have visible mold or a musty smell, as this indicates it was stored in damp conditions and may be compromised.

A quick note: Always buy from reputable sellers. Some vendors market the true Anastatica as a repeatedly-resurrecting plant, which leads to disappointment when it doesn’t re-open. Reputable sellers will specify which species they are offering.

Complete Care Guide for Your Resurrection Plant

Caring for your Rose of Jericho is simple, but it requires understanding its natural cycle. You’re mimicking the desert’s rare rainstorms followed by long dry spells.

How to “Resurrect” Your Plant (The First Hydration)

When you first bring your plant home, it will be in its dormant state. Here’s how to wake it up:

Choose a Container: Use a shallow bowl or saucer. The plant doesn’t need soil for this process. A clear dish is fun because you can watch the roots develop.
Place the Plant: Set your dry ball in the center of the dish. You can place it with the root side down if you can identify it (it’s usually a knobby, central area), but it will open even if it’s on its side.
Add Water: Pour room-temperature water into the dish, just enough to cover the bottom and touch the plant’s base. Start with about 1/4 inch of water.
Watch it Unfold: Within an hour, you’ll see movement. The stems will begin to uncurl and turn green. Full opening can take 4-8 hours. It’s a remarkable thing to observe!
Maintain Water: Keep the water level consistent, always ensuring the base is in contact with moisture. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth.

Ongoing Care During the “Green” Phase

Once your plant is open and green, you have a few options for its active period, which can last for several weeks.

Option 1: Water Culture (No Soil)

Simply continue as above, keeping it in its shallow water dish.
Place it in bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh, direct midday sun which can scorch it.
Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
This is the easiest method and allows you to easily transition it back to dormancy.

Option 2: Potting in Soil

For a longer-term display, you can pot it. Use a very well-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can even add extra perlite or sand.

Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Place the plant on top of the soil, letting its roots make contact.
Water it thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. It’s better to underwater than overwater.
Keep it in bright, indirect light.

The Crucial Dormancy Period

This is the step most people miss, and it’s essential for the plant’s long-term health. You cannot keep it constantly wet. It needs a rest period to mimic its natural desert cycle.

How to induce dormancy:

After 4-8 weeks in its green phase, gradually reduce watering.
Remove it from water or let the soil become completely dry.
The plant will naturally begin to curl inward and turn brown. This is normal and healthy!
Once fully dry and curled, store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sun. A paper bag or open box on a shelf is perfect.
Let it rest for at least 2-4 weeks. Some growers let it rest for months.

This dormancy period is what allows it to survive for so many years. Repeating this wet-dry cycle is the secret to keeping your plant alive indefinitely.

Common Problems and Solutions

Plant isn’t opening: Ensure the base is in contact with water. If it’s very old, it may be past its prime. Try lukewarm water to stimulate the process.
Mold or slime: You’re leaving it in water for too long without changing it. Always use fresh water and consider shortening its “green” period. If mold appears, let the plant dry out completely immediately.
Leaves turn black: This is usually from rot caused by constant moisture. The plant was not allowed to go dormant. Dry it out right away and extend its next dormancy period.
Plant seems weak: It may need a longer dormancy. Ensure it’s getting enough light during its green phase, but not too much direct sun.

Propagation: Growing Your Collection

Propagating the false Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla) is a bit different from typical plants. It doesn’t propagate from cuttings easily. Instead, it naturally produces spores or can be divided.

Division Method

This is the most reliable method for home growers. When your plant is fully hydrated and open, you can carefully divide it.

Gently remove the plant from its dish or pot.
Examine the root mass. You’ll see it’s made up of many individual stems clustered together.
Using clean, sharp scissors or your fingers, gently tease apart a section of the plant, ensuring it has both stems and some root material attached.
Place the new division in its own shallow water dish to establish itself. Once it’s growing well, you can pot it in soil if desired.

Spore Propagation

This method requires more patience. Mature plants produce spores in small cones at the tips of their stems.

Collect the fine, dust-like spores on a piece of paper.
Sprinkle them on the surface of consistently moist, sterile seed starting mix in a shallow tray.
Cover the tray with plastic to maintain high humidity and place in warm, indirect light.
It can take several months for tiny new plants to develop. This process is slow and is more suited to the patient enthusiast.

Symbolism and Traditional Uses

The Rose of Jericho is steep in symbolism. Its cycle of death and rebirth has made it a powerful symbol in many cultures for renewal, prosperity, and blessing.

In many Christian traditions, it’s associated with the resurrection of Jesus and is often used during Easter celebrations.
In Mexican folk traditions, it’s known as “La Doradilla” and is used in rituals for attracting good health and financial prosperity.
Some people place money or jewelry in the water dish with the plant, believing it amplifies abundance.
It’s common to gift the plant as a wish for resilience, a fresh start, or good fortune in a new home.

Beyond symbolism, it has practical historical uses. In desert cultures, its ability to find water was legendary. Travelers would supposedly place the dry plant on the ground, and it would uncurl in the direction of the nearest water source. While this is more folklore than fact, it speaks to the deep connection people have felt with this plant’s abilities.

Creative Display Ideas

Your Rose of Jericho is a living sculpture. Here are some ways to display it beautifully:

The Simple Centerpiece

Use a beautiful, wide ceramic bowl or a clear glass dish. Add decorative stones or marbles around the base of the plant when it’s hydrated. It makes a fascinating conversation piece for a coffee or dining table.

Hanging Gardens

When your plant is in its green phase, you can nestle it into a hanging kokedama (moss ball) or a shallow wire frame filled with sphagnum moss. Mist it regularly to keep it hydrated.

Terrarium Friend

While it can’t stay wet forever, you can include it in an open terrarium for a short display during its active phase. Ensure the terrarium has excellent air circulation to prevent mold. Remember to remove it for its dormancy period.

Educational Tool

For children or classroom settings, the plant is a perfect way to teach about adaptation, desert ecosystems, and plant biology. The dramatic visual change captures everyone’s attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can a Rose of Jericho live?

With proper care, cycling between wet and dry periods, the false Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla) can live for decades. There are reports of plants being passed down through generations.

Can I use tap water?

It’s best to use distilled, rainwater, or filtered water if your tap water is very hard or heavily chlorinated. Minerals can build up on the plant over time. Letting tap water sit out for 24 hours allows chlorine to evaporate, making it safer.

Why is my plant not turning green?

If it’s hydrating but staying brown, it may not be getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (indirect light) once it’s open. Also, ensure the water is fresh; stagnant water can stress the plant.

How often should I resurrect it?

There’s no set schedule, but a good rule is 4-8 weeks active, followed by a minimum of 2-4 weeks dormant. You can leave it dormant for much longer—even up to a year. It’s very flexible.

Is the Rose of Jericho safe for pets?

According to the ASPCA, Selaginella species are non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it’s always best to discourage pets from chewing on any houseplants, as they could cause mild stomach upset or be a choking hazard.

What’s the difference between this and a resurrection fern?

Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) is a different plant that grows on trees in the southeastern US. It also shrivels when dry and greens up with rain, but it’s an epiphytic fern, not a desert dweller. The care requirements are quite different due to its native habitat.

Can I grow it in my garden?

Only if you live in a very hot, dry climate (USDA zones 7b-11) with extremely well-draining soil. For most gardeners, it is strictly an indoor or patio container plant where you can control its water cycle. Frost will kill it.

The rose of jericho is more than just a plant; it’s a lesson in resilience and patience. By understanding its need for both life and rest, you can cultivate a companion that will amaze you for years to come. Its simple care and dramatic transformations remind us of the incredible adaptability of nature. Start with a small dish of water, and witness this desert miracle for yourself.