The Complete Guide to Rose of Jericho Care
The Resurrection Plant
Post Updated 10/22/23
Interested in learning more about the Rose of Jericho and how to care for it?
Then you have come to the right place!
This plant is very unique and is often referred to as the resurrection plant.
Why?
Because it is the type of plant that can dry out and be “brought back” to life with water.
Pretty amazing right?
So if you are curious about this special plant and want to know more about the Rose of Jericho plant, keep reading to learn about its origin, facts about it, and tips on how to care for it.
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Rose of Jericho Care at a Glance
The Origin of the Rose of Jericho
“There are actually two different types of Jericho rose”
The first one is the most common one which we will focus on in this post is the Selaginella lepidophylla or the false rose of Jericho.
Selaginella lepidophylla is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and is a member of the spikemoss family.
The other Rose of Jericho is Anastatica heirochuntica. This type is less common and is often referred to as the True Rose of Jericho.
It is found in areas in the Middle East and the Sahara Desert. It is part of the family Brassicaceae or mustard family.
So what is the major difference between the two rose of Jericho plants?
Well, they are from different families.
The Selaginella lepidophylla or the false rose of Jericho is more common, easier to grow, and prettier than the Anastatica heirochuntica or real rose of Jericho.
The real rose of Jericho or Anastatica heirochuntica must take root in order for it to come back to life while the false rose of Jericho can dry up and be revived if it has water.
The Selaginella lepidophylla or the false rose of Jericho is more common.
Rose of Jericho
Here is an image of the Rose of Jericho in its dormant state.
Rose of Jericho Care
The resurrection plant is a very easy plant to care for. You can kill it and it will still survive!
The Rose of Jericho looks like a tightly curled grey/brown ball when it is dry or in its dormant state. When exposed to water, the stems will begin to uncurl and will start to return to its green color.
Some say that it resembles a tumbleweed. It can live for years without water.
This is a great plant for beginners or to “plant” with kids. My kids and I affectionately refer to our Rose of Jericho plant as “Jerry”. My kids were amazed at how it came alive.
With that being said, here are a few tips to help you care for your Jericho rose plant.
Container/Pot
You should put your Jericho rose in a shallow dish or bowl with water. It doesn’t need a lot of water just enough to cover the roots of the plant.
Soil
A Rose of Jericho does not need soil to revive itself. However, you can add gravel or pebbles to your dish or bowl but it isn’t required.
You only need enough water to just cover the gravel or pebbles or the roots of the Jericho plant.
Watering
It is best to use distilled water so contaminants and minerals are removed and don’t harm your plant.
You can also use tap water, just make sure it sits overnight so some of the chemicals like chlorine can evaporate.
Fill your dish with enough water so the roots of the rose of Jericho are touching it. Change the water daily.
It is important to note that you should remove the plant from the water one day a week to prevent it from rotting and developing mold. Choose a day each week and set a reminder on your calendar or phone.
And every month, your rose of Jericho needs a break from the water.
Remove the Jericho flower entirely from the water for an entire week and let it completely dry out. This will improve its health long term.
I suggest misting it from time to time to keep the foliage looking green and healthy.
Pin for later!
Temperature
A rose of Jericho plant likes room temperature. While it is used to warm climates, you want to keep the temperature consistent.
It doesn’t do well when there is an abrupt change in either hot or cold temperature. So keep it away from windows, air conditioners, vents, or heaters.
Sunlight
It does best with indirect sunlight. You're gonna want to find a spot in your house that gets plenty of bright light, but not directly from the sun.
Think about a window that's facing south or west - that's your golden ticket.
Pruning
While the Rose of Jericho does not require pruning, feel free to trim any brown or dead ends/fronds using snips or a pair of scissors.
This simple maintenance task will keep your plant looking vibrant and healthy.
The Rose of Jericho as it is opening up and uncurling.
The Rose of Jericho has been resurrected and is alive.
Rose of Jericho Timelapse
Here is a timelapse of the Rose of Jericho opening over 5 hours of time.
Most of it will open up in about 4-5 hours and then continue to open and turn green in 24 hours.
Rose of Jericho Symbolism
Depending on who you ask, a rose of Jericho has various meanings.
It has been known to symbolize happiness, abundance, peace, power, protection, and absorbs negative energy. It also is a big attractor of love.
Some families consider it a lucky charm and pass it down from generation to generation.
Christians like to decorate with the Jericho rose during Christmas and Easter in order to symbolize the resurrection of Christ.
Medicinal Uses of the Rose of Jericho
The rose of Jericho has been thought to have medicinal uses and benefits.
Anastatica heirochuntica was believed to help asthma, the common cold, menstrual cramps, diabetes, arthritis pain, and start labor.
Although it was used many years ago, there isn’t a lot of research to back it up.
Care Mistakes with Rose of Jericho
There are a few common care mistakes that can be made when caring for the Rose of Jericho plant.
By being aware of these mistakes, you can avoid them and ensure that your plant stays healthy and thrives.
Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that can damage a Rose of Jericho.
To prevent overwatering and root rot, it is advisable to allow the plant to have periods without water.
It is recommended to choose a specific day each week to drain the water. This practice will help maintain the health and vitality of the plant.
Prolonged dryness
Although the Rose of Jericho is capable of enduring severe drought, prolonged dryness can cause it to curl up and transform its delicate appearance, resulting in a loss of color and fullness.
Low humidity
Low humidity can be a source of problems for this plant, the plant will go dormant if it lacks humidity.
FAQS about Rose of Jericho
How long does it take for Rose of Jericho to open?
Typically it takes about 4 hours for a Rose of Jericho to uncurl. Although it takes a day or two for it to completely open and achieve its green appearance.
I found that after a full 24 hours, it appeared to be fully opened and was much greener in appearance but most of the uncurling did occur in the first 4 hours it was in the water.
How big will the Rose of Jericho be?
This is a good question since when you get a Rose of Jericho plant it will be curled up into a ball. Once it is revived it should be about 4 to 6 inches across.
Is Rose of Jericho toxic?
It can be toxic to cats so if you have pet cats, you might want to reconsider this plant.
How to store your Rose of Jericho?
It can be easily stored. First, dry it out completely and then store it in a paper bag and keep it in a cool dry place.
It will remain dormant until you are ready to revive it again.
How long does it take to dry out the Rose of Jericho?
If you want to dry out your Rose of Jericho after resurrecting it, it will take about a week for it to curl back up and dry out.
Just make sure you remove it from the water.
Why is my Rose of Jericho still brown?
If your Rose of Jericho is still brown it is possible that it is dead.
You might have actually got a dud!
It is possible that it wasn’t dried out properly and stored incorrectly.
If this happens, contact the seller and ask for a refund or exchange.
Why is my Rose of Jericho getting moldy?
If this is happening, it is because you aren’t giving it a rest from the water weekly.
Remember that you should take it out of the water one day a week and each month it needs a week break from the water.
It is also important to change the water daily.
The Rose of Jericho doesn’t need a lot of care but the things that you need to do for it are important for it to remain healthy.
Where can you buy Rose of Jericho?
You can easily purchase a rose of Jericho online. I purchased mine on Amazon and it was very affordable.
Make sure you search for it by its proper name Selaginella lepidophylla when you are looking to purchase it.
Does it produce flowers or seeds?
It does not produce flowers or seeds.
Why I Love the Rose of Jericho
Beginner Friendly
Low-maintenance
Extremely Affordable Indoor Plant
The Rose of Jericho has a long history of being a magical plant. It is one of the few plants that can resurrect itself.
It is extremely easy to care for and is quite unique to watch as it uncurls.
If you are looking for an indoor houseplant to try, then this is a great starter plant.
Need help with your Rose of Jericho? Leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help!
