Rose Of Jericho

Have you ever seen a plant come back to life? The Rose of Jericho is a mysterious desert resurrection plant that seems to perform magic. It’s a fascinating botanical wonder that has captivated gardeners and plant lovers for centuries. This unique plant can survive extreme drought for years, looking completely dead, only to spring back to life with a little water. It’s a perfect conversation piece and a joy to care for.

In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about this special plant. You’ll learn its history, how to care for it, and the simple steps to make it “resurrect.” We’ll also clear up some common myths. By the end, you’ll be ready to welcome this resilient little traveler into your own home.

Let’s get to know our subject. The Rose of Jericho isn’t actually a rose. It’s a member of the spike-moss family or, for the other common type, the mustard family. It’s native to arid deserts in the Middle East and the Americas. For most of its life, it exists as a dry, ball-shaped tumbleweed.

Its survival trick is called anhydrobiosis. This means it can lose almost all its water content and enter a state of suspended animation. Its metabolism slows to near zero. The plant curls its stems inward to protect its seeds. Then, it waits. It can wait for decades.

Two Different Plants, One Common Name

Here’s where things get tricky. The name “Rose of Jericho” refers to two different species. They look and behave similarly, but it’s good to know which one you have.

True Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica): This is the plant from the Middle East and North Africa. It’s an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle once. After it resurrects, turns green, and releases its seeds, it will not come back again. Its connection to biblical stories is strongest with this variety.
False Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla): Native to the Chihuahuan Desert. This is a perennial spike-moss. It can “resurrect” many, many times over its lifespan. It’s the one most commonly sold as a novelty plant today.

For home gardeners, the False Rose of Jericho is usually the better choice because it offers repeat performances. The care for both is virtually identical.

Why It’s Called a Resurrection Plant

The nickname is perfectly earned. The transformation is dramatic. You start with a brittle, brown ball of tangled stems. Within hours of adding water, it begins to unfurl. Stems stretch out and turn green. It can look fully alive in under a day. This process mimics rainfall in the desert, signaling the plant that it’s time to grow and reproduce.

The History and Symbolism

This plant carries deep meaning. It has been used in rituals for generations. In some traditions, it’s known as the “Maryam’s Hand” and is used in blessing ceremonies. Its cycle of death and rebirth makes it a powerful symbol of renewal, good luck, and resilience. Many people keep one in their home as a reminder of these qualities.

How to Care for Your Rose of Jericho

Caring for this plant is very simple, making it great for beginners or forgetful waterers. Here’s your step-by-step guide to its resurrection and care cycle.

What You’ll Need

A shallow bowl or saucer (no drainage holes needed)
Room-temperature water (rainwater or distilled is best, but tap water is okay)
Your dry Rose of Jericho plant
A spot with bright, indirect light

The Resurrection Process: Step-by-Step

Place the Plant: Set your dry plant in the center of the shallow bowl. It will be curled up tight.
Add Water: Pour water into the bowl until the bottom of the plant is submerged. You don’t need to cover the whole plant; just the base is fine.
Watch and Wait: You’ll see changes fast. Within an hour, the stems will start to loosen. After a few hours, it will begin to unfurl and turn green. It’s a wonderful process to observe.
Maintain the Water: Keep the bowl filled so the base is always in water. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and mold.

That’s really all there is to it! The plant does most of the work. In a day or two, you’ll have a lush, green, fern-like plant gracing your windowsill.

Giving It a Rest Period

You can’t keep your Rose of Jericho in water forever. After about one week, it’s time to let it dry out. This rest period is crucial for its long-term health.

Remove the plant from the water.
Place it on a paper towel or a dry saucer.
Let it dry completely in a warm, airy spot. This usually takes a week or two.
Once it’s fully dry and curled back up, you can store it in a cupboard for a month or more before “resurrecting” it again.

This cycle mimics its natural desert habitat: a short rainy season followed by a long drought. Letting it dry prevents root rot and keeps the plant healthy for years.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even tough plants can have issues. Here are a few things to watch for.

Mold or Mildew: This happens if the water isn’t changed regularly. If you see white fuzz, remove the plant, discard the water, and rinse the bowl and plant gently. Let it dry out completely for an extended period before trying again.
Black Stems: This is often a sign of rot from being wet too long. Trim away the black parts with clean scissors and let the plant dry out thoroughly.
Not Turning Green: If the plant unfurls but stays brown, it may simply be very old or it might be the true Anastatica variety that has completed its life cycle. Ensure it’s getting enough light, but not direct scorching sun.
Slow to Unfurl: Be patient. Some plants are just slower than others. Make sure the water is at room temperature, as cold water can shock it.

Fun Uses and Display Ideas

Beyond a simple bowl, there are creative ways to enjoy your Rose of Jericho.

Table Centerpiece: Resurrect it in a beautiful, shallow decorative bowl for a unique living centerpiece during gatherings.
Educational Tool: It’s a fantastic way to teach children about plant biology, adaptation, and life cycles.
Terrarium Friend: While it can’t live permanently wet, you can temporarily place a hydrated one in an open terrarium for a few days for a special display.
Symbolic Gift: Give a dry plant as a gift for someone moving, starting a new job, or needing a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Include the simple care instructions.

Remember, this plant is incredibly low-maintenance. It’s perfect for people who travel often or who have a habit of forgetting to water thier plants. Its resilience is its greatest feature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can a Rose of Jericho stay dead?

It’s not actually dead, but in its dormant state, it can survive for many decades without water. There are reports of plants reviving after 50 years!

Can I plant it in soil?

It’s not necessary. The Rose of Jericho is not a typical potted plant. It gets all it needs from the water. Planting it in soil can often lead to rot because it’s not adapted to constant moisture at its base.

How often should I water my resurrection plant?

Follow the cycle: one week in water, then at least two to four weeks completely dry. You can repeat this as often as you like, but giving it a long rest is beneficial.

Is the Rose of Jericho toxic to pets?

No, it is generally considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. However, it’s always best to discourage pets from chewing on any houseplants.

Why is mine not coming back to life?

If it’s the true Anastatica species, it only resurrects once to release seeds. If it’s the Selaginella type, ensure you are using enough water and that the plant hasn’t been damaged or molded. Sometimes very old specimens lose their vitality.

Where can I buy a real Rose of Jericho?

You can find them at many garden centers, specialty plant shops, and online retailers. Look for sellers who specifically mention Selaginella lepidophylla if you want one that revives multiple times.

The Rose of Jericho is more than just a plant; it’s a lesson in patience and resilience. Its amazing ability to withstand harsh conditions and spring back to life with a little care is a beautiful thing to witness. With the simple tips in this guide, you can enjoy this mysterious desert traveler for many years to come. It’s a unique peice of the natural world that fits right on your countertop.