Rose of Jericho appears dead and brown for months, then unfurls into a green fern-like form within hours of touching water. This plant is not just a curiosity; it is a resurrection miracle that you can keep for years without soil or regular care. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to revive, grow, and use this fascinating desert plant.
People often confuse the true Rose of Jericho with the false one, but both are sold under the same name. We will clear that up right away so you know what you are buying. You will also get simple steps for the famous water trick that makes it bloom again and again.
What Is The Rose Of Jericho
The Rose of Jericho is a small gray plant that lives in rocky deserts. It survives extreme dryness by curling into a tight ball and pausing its life cycle. When water touches it, the ball opens and turns green, which looks like a resurrection.
There are two main types you will find in shops:
- True Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) – native to the Middle East and North Africa
- False Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla) – native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the US and Mexico
The false type is more common in stores because it is easier to grow. Both types respond to water in the same dramatic way, but the false one is a spikemoss, not a true flowering plant. The true one is a member of the mustard family and can produce tiny seeds.
Why Does It Come Back To Life
This plant uses a survival trick called poikilohydry. It can lose up to 95% of its water content without dying. Its cells produce protective sugars that keep the cell walls intact during extreme dryness.
When you add water, the plant rehydrates quickly. The cells swell, the stems uncurl, and the green color returns. This cycle can repeat dozens of times over many years. Some people keep the same plant for 30 to 50 years.
Rose Of Jericho Care Guide
Caring for this plant is very easy, but you must follow a few rules. The biggest mistake is leaving it in water too long, which causes rot. Here is the exact process for the water ritual.
How To Revive It In Water
Follow these steps to see the full resurrection effect:
- Fill a shallow bowl with room-temperature water (about 1 inch deep)
- Place the dried ball in the water with the roots facing down
- Wait 4 to 8 hours and watch the branches open
- Change the water every day to prevent bacteria
- Keep it in the water for a maximum of 7 days
- Remove it and let it dry completely for 2 weeks
- Store it in a dry, dark place until the next use
You will see the first signs of opening within 30 minutes. Full green color usually appears after 12 to 24 hours. The plant does not need sunlight during this process, but indirect light helps it look greener.
How Often Should You Water It
You should not keep the Rose of Jericho in water all the time. It needs a dry rest period to stay healthy. A good schedule is:
- Soak it for 3 to 7 days
- Dry it completely for 2 to 4 weeks
- Repeat the cycle as often as you like
If you keep it wet for more than a week, the stems can turn slimy and black. That is a sign of rot, and the plant may not recover. Always err on the side of less water.
Does It Need Soil Or Sunlight
No, the Rose of Jericho does not need soil to perform its trick. It is an epiphyte-like plant that absorbs moisture through its leaves and stems. You can keep it on a pebble tray, in a dish, or even on a piece of driftwood.
Sunlight is not required for the water trick, but bright indirect light helps it photosynthesize and stay green longer. Avoid direct hot sun, which can dry it out too fast and cause brown spots.
How To Grow Rose Of Jericho From Seeds
If you want to grow a new plant from scratch, you can use the seeds from a true Rose of Jericho. The false type rarely produces seeds in home conditions, so you will need to buy spores or a new plant. Here is the seed method for the true type.
Step-By-Step Seed Planting
- Soak the dried plant in water for 24 hours to release the seeds
- Collect the small brown seeds from the water surface
- Fill a pot with well-draining cactus soil
- Press the seeds onto the soil surface (do not bury them deep)
- Mist the soil with water and cover with plastic wrap
- Place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light (70-80°F)
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy for 2 to 4 weeks
Seedlings will look like tiny green moss at first. They grow very slowly and need high humidity. Once they reach about 1 inch tall, you can remove the plastic cover and treat them like adult plants.
Growing In A Terrarium
A terrarium is the best way to grow a Rose of Jericho long-term. It creates a humid microclimate that mimics its natural habitat. Use a glass container with a lid, add a layer of pebbles, then a layer of activated charcoal, then a thin layer of soil.
Place the plant on top of the soil and mist it every few days. The closed terrarium will recycle moisture, so you rarely need to add water. This method keeps the plant green for months instead of days.
Rose Of Jericho Benefits And Uses
This plant is not just a decorative oddity. It has a long history of traditional use in many cultures. People use it for spiritual rituals, skincare, and even as a natural air humidifier.
Spiritual And Religious Significance
The Rose of Jericho is often called the “Resurrection Plant” because it symbolizes rebirth and hope. In Christian tradition, it is associated with the resurrection of Jesus. In some Latin American cultures, it is used in Christmas nativity scenes and year-round blessings.
People place it in a bowl of water on altars and let it open as a sign of answered prayers. It is also used in hoodoo and folk magic for prosperity and protection. The plant is believed to bring good luck when kept in the home.
Skincare And Cosmetic Uses
The gel from the Rose of Jericho contains polysaccharides that hold moisture. Some cosmetic brands use it in anti-aging creams and serums. You can make a simple face mask by soaking the plant in water and applying the liquid to your skin.
Here is a simple DIY toner:
- Soak the plant in clean water for 24 hours
- Remove the plant and pour the water into a spray bottle
- Refrigerate and use within 5 days
- Spray on your face after cleansing
This toner is not a substitute for medical skincare, but it can provide light hydration. Always do a patch test first to check for allergies.
Air Humidity And Feng Shui
When the plant is open and wet, it releases moisture into the air. This can slightly raise humidity in a small room, which helps with dry skin and static electricity. It is not a replacement for a humidifier, but it adds a natural touch.
In Feng Shui, the Rose of Jericho is placed in the wealth corner (southeast) to attract abundance. It is also used to cleanse negative energy. The key is to keep it healthy and green, not dried out for too long.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even though this plant is tough, you might run into a few issues. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Why Is My Rose Of Jericho Not Opening
If the plant stays closed in water, it may be dead or too old. Check the water temperature – it should be lukewarm, not cold. Also, make sure the water covers the base of the plant, not just the top.
Some plants need a few hours to absorb water through their thick stems. Give it up to 24 hours before you give up. If it still does not open, try adding a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water to stimulate activity.
Why Is It Turning Black Or Slimy
This is a sign of bacterial rot. It happens when you leave the plant in water for too long or use dirty water. Remove the plant immediately, rinse it under running water, and let it dry completely for a week.
Do not put it back in water until the black parts are gone. If the rot has spread to the center, the plant may not recover. Prevention is simple: change the water daily and never soak for more than 7 days.
Why Is It Turning Brown While Dry
This is normal. The plant naturally turns brown and curls up when it is dry. It is not dying; it is entering its dormant state. As long as the stems are not brittle and snapping, it will revive again with water.
If the stems are very brittle, the plant may be too old or was stored in a too-hot place. Store it in a cool, dark drawer or cupboard between uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Rose Of Jericho Live?
A well-cared-for Rose of Jericho can live for decades. Some people pass the same plant down through generations. The key is to let it dry completely between waterings and avoid rot.
Can I Plant Rose Of Jericho In Soil?
Yes, but it is not necessary. If you want to grow it in soil, use a sandy, well-draining mix and keep it slightly moist. It will grow as a low, creeping ground cover in the right conditions.
Is Rose Of Jericho Toxic To Pets?
The false Rose of Jericho (Selaginella) is non-toxic to cats and dogs. The true type is also not listed as toxic. However, you should still keep it out of reach because the water bowl can be a drowning hazard for small pets.
Why Is It Called A Resurrection Plant?
It is called a resurrection plant because it can revive from a completely dried, brown state. This ability to “come back to life” after months of dormancy is rare in the plant kingdom.
Does It Need Fertilizer?
No, the Rose of Jericho does not need fertilizer for the water trick. If you grow it in soil, you can add a very dilute liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can burn the delicate roots.
Final Tips For A Healthy Plant
To get the most out of your Rose of Jericho, follow these simple rules. Use filtered or rainwater instead of tap water if your tap water is very hard. Tap water minerals can leave white spots on the leaves.
Rotate the plant in its bowl so all sides get equal moisture. This helps it open symmetrically. If you notice any mold on the surface, rinse the plant and clean the bowl with vinegar before the next soak.
You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the water for a pleasant scent. The plant will absorb the oil and release it into the air. Lavender or eucalyptus work well for this purpose.
Keep your plant away from air conditioning vents and heaters. Sudden temperature changes can stress it and cause uneven opening. A stable room temperature between 65 and 80°F is ideal.
Finally, do not be afraid to experiment. Some people keep their Rose of Jericho in a decorative bowl with pebbles and crystals. Others hang it upside down to dry. As long as you respect its need for a dry rest period, it will reward you with years of beauty.
This plant is a perfect gift for someone who loves unique houseplants but forgets to water them. It is also a great conversation starter. When you show it to guests, they will not believe that a dead-looking ball can turn green in a few hours.
So go ahead and try the water trick tonight. Place your Rose of Jericho in a bowl, watch it unfold, and enjoy the little miracle of resurrection in your own home. With the simple care steps above, you can keep this ancient plant alive and thriving for many years to come.