Rose of Jericho – Care Nuggets for the Legendary Resurrection Plant

The Rose of Jericho, also known as resurrection plant, is a plant that can appear dried when there is no water but will regain its vigor when conditions are conducive.

Do you want a plant that can inspire you through the ups and downs of life? There is no better plant that you can keep for this purpose other than the Rose of Jericho.

To help you enjoy the inspiration and uniqueness of this plant, this article will provide you with all that you should know to care for the Rose of Jericho in the best way.

What Is a Rose of Jericho?

The Rose of Jericho is a small flowering plant native to the deserts of the Middle East and Central Africa. It has adapted to survive in dry conditions, thus acquiring the capability to remain without water for years. The Rose of Jericho has green foliage and a fern-like structure. It produces small, white flowers.

Its fruits are spoon-shaped and the seeds are covered in a substance that becomes sticky when exposed to moisture. The Rose of Jericho’s sticky substance allows the seeds to germinate when they come into contact with the soil. The seeds of the Rose of Jericho are capable of germinating within 12 hours of receiving rainfall.

Interestingly, although it is a drought-resistant plant, the seedlings of Rose of Jericho cannot survive in the complete absence of water. That is why they quickly germinate once the rain falls.

The resurrection plant gets its name from its ability to revert to life after having completely dried up. The Rose of Jericho curls back on itself to form a ball-like structure similar to a tumbleweed in case of water shortages. In dry conditions, this plant is brown. When moisture is available, the Rose of Jericho opens up into a green plant that is around one foot wide.

– Two Plants, Same Name?

Two plants go by the name “Rose of Jericho.” The scientific names of these two plants are Anastatica hierochuntica and Selaginella lepidophylla. Both plants have resurrection properties. The other names that are used to refer to the Rose of Jericho are Jericho Rose, Jericho plant, or flower of Jericho.

Selaginella lepidophylla is the most beautiful of the two and is referred to as the “False Rose of Jericho”. Selaginella lepidophylla is also easier to find and cheaper. Anastatica hierochuntica — the true Rose of Jericho — is harder to grow, considering that it requires true roots for absorbing water and resurrecting. Selaginella lepidophylla can still rejuvenate using distorted roots.

To store your Rose of Jericho, place it in a cardboard box or plastic bag and put it in a dark cupboard. Even if you keep it there for years, you can still revive it when you need to. What could be more practical than this beautiful plant?

– Beliefs and Myths

The ability of the Rose of Jericho to go dormant and revamp again is akin to a “death-to-life” scenario, hence the name “resurrection” plant. No wonder so many beliefs and myths are associated with this plant.

People who believe in Hoodoo suggest that the Rose of Jericho is a source of prosperity. According to them, all you need to do is to place five coins in the water that you use to rejuvenate the plant. After leaving the Rose of Jericho in water for a few days, you will then rub the water onto your doors and windows so that prosperity will come into your house.

Some Christians display the Rose of Jericho during Christmas time. They associate the rejuvenation of this plant with the opening of the womb of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Some also see the plant as being a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Santeria, people believe that the Rose of Jericho brings happiness.

Rose of Jericho Care

Apart from regular watering, the Rose of Jericho does not require a lot of input in terms of upkeep. This makes it very easy to keep compared to other indoor plants. Get more insight on how to take care of this plant in this section.

– Light Requirements

When exposed to good, indirect light, the Rose of Jericho will flourish. In low light, the plant will curl up. This explains why you should put it in a dark cupboard when you store it. Low light is supportive of dormancy. If your plant remains curled up even after being watered, this might be a sign that lighting is inadequate.

– Water Requirements

When growing the Rose of Jericho indoors, make sure to change the water of your plant every day. You can use a spray bottle to regularly mist the Rose of Jericho to keep it looking fresh and beautiful. Once or twice a week, give it some non-water rest days to avoid the formation of moss. At least once a month, let the plant completely dry out for a week before you can revive it again.

If you grow the Rose of Jericho in a pot, you can wet the soil until some of the water drools from under the pot. During winter and autumn, you can reduce the amount of water so that the soil dries out between waterings.

We recommend that you use distilled water for the Rose of Jericho because the plant is very sensitive. However, if you have to use tap water, allow it to sit overnight to evaporate the chlorine or fluorine it contains.

You can grow the Jericho plant like an epiphyte. Epiphytes are plants that can grow on another plant. If you choose to use this method, simply attach the Rose of Jericho to another plant and be sure to mist your plant regularly. The same rules still apply when it comes to watering.

– Soil Requirements

The resurrection plant can do very well without soil because it does not need to fix its roots in a medium. That is why they can be grown in water or as an epiphyte.

However, if you grow the true Rose of Jericho in soil, it will flourish into a healthy, bigger plant.

The false version of the resurrection plant can also be planted in soil but this can only be done after it has developed its roots in water. Be sure to keep the soil moist if you decide to grow your plant using this growth medium.

– Temperature Requirements

The Rose of Jericho thrives well at room temperature. Ideally, a temperature range between 41 °F and 95 °F will give your plant a vigorous outlook. This plant can also tolerate extreme cold., thus confirming its rare strength.

Avoid temperature fluctuations around your plant. Although your plant is highly resistant to harsh conditions, it does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes. To avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature, do not put your plant in spots where it can receive drafts through the windows and doors. Also, do not switch on heaters, air conditioners, and fans in the same room as your plant.

– Humidity Requirements

The Rose of Jericho thrives in appropriately-sheltered moist areas that are above 50 percent humid. These conditions are difficult to achieve indoors due to forced-air heating, especially in naturally hot regions. However, you could mist your plants every day or place the potted plants on moist pebbles to elevate the humidity.

Most of the time, you don’t even need to bother yourself with humidity issues when you are growing your Rose of Jericho in water. This is because the water in the bowl is enough to keep the environment around your plant as humid as it should be.

– Fertilizer Requirements

The Jericho plant does not need any additional feeding. Just remember to use lukewarm water and to change it frequently.

– Grooming

Constantly pruning the Rose of Jericho is not necessary. However, you might need to remove some damaged or dead leaves from the plant here and there. To identify the leaves that are dead, you should awaken the plant first, because you can’t tell when the plant is “dead.”

– How to Revive a Resurrection Plant

To revive this plant, you will need a shallow and wide dish, distilled water at room temperature, pebbles, and a spot with indirect sunlight. Fill the dish with pebbles before adding enough water that the pebbles are partially submerged.

Place your Rose of Jericho into the dish, ensuring that the roots are in contact with the water. Afterward, put the dish on a countertop or on a table, where the plant will receive indirect sunlight. It should take your Rose of Jericho about four hours to ‘resurrect.’

Problems

The Rose of Jericho is a typical example of a hard-to-kill plant, but there are still a few issues to anticipate. Let’s look at some of these problems in greater detail.

– Toxicity

The Rose of Jericho may be toxic to pets, especially cats. It is wise to keep it where your pets cannot reach it, as they might get a bit too curious!

– Rotting

If your plant rots, there is only one reason for that: elongated periods in water. This plant can only stay in the water for a few consecutive days, after which it might rot. The best way to prevent your Rose of Jericho from rotting is by changing the water in which you dip your plant daily. Don’t forget to give your plant some rest periods from watering.

– Browning

If you put your plant in water and it doesn’t open and turn green even after many hours, it is most likely dead. Considering that, if you buy the plant in its brown form, there is a chance it might be already dead. If you think you have bought a dead plant, approach the seller and hear their return and replacement policies.

In the worst-case scenario, you might have to get another resurrection plant. Do not get discouraged, these mistakes happen! At any rate, it is safer to buy the plant in its green state.

– Too Slow to Open

In some cases, the Jericho plant takes a long time to open but eventually does. The problem arises when you use cold water. To rectify this, use lukewarm water. You can also move your plant to a warmer place. Also, check if there is adequate lighting as the Rose of Jericho does not open up in low light conditions.

– Slugs and Snails

Although this doesn’t happen often, slugs and snails can treat themselves to the Rose of Jericho. You can hand-remove the pests. Alternatively, install copper tape around the plant to create a good barrier to deter the slugs and snails. This is better than using potentially dangerous chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Rose of Jericho be used for spellcasting?

There is no scientific evidence to support the use of Rose of Jericho for spellcasting. However, it is a plant that has been used in various spiritual and cultural practices for centuries.

2. What is the symbolism of the Rose of Jericho plant?

The Rose of Jericho plant is known for its symbolic representation of resurrection and spiritual awakening. It is believed to have healing properties and is commonly used in rituals and ceremonies.

3. How do I harvest and use the seeds of a Rose of Jericho plant?

Conclusion

Taking care of a plant has never been so fascinating and less stressful! I guess you are now eager to start caring for your plant. Just wait a minute and go through the summary of what you have learned in this article.

• The Rose of Jericho is also called “resurrection plant” because of its ability to go dormant and revamp even after years.
• Two different plants answer to the name “Rose of Jericho.” These are Anastatica heironchutica (Rose of Jericho) and Selaginella lepidophylla (False Rose of Jericho).
• To water the Jericho Rose, place it in a bowl with clean, distilled water. Change the water every day.
• Keeping the Rose of Jericho in water for many consecutive days can cause it to rot.
• The resurrection plant opens up and flourishes under bright light and curls up in low light conditions.
• Temperatures between 41 °F and 95 °F are ideal for the Rose of Jericho.
• You can prune your plant to remove dead or damaged leaves while your plant is awake.
• The Rose of Jericho can be toxic, so keep it away from your pets.
• Some of the possible issues with the Jericho plant are brewing, slow opening, and rotting.

It’s time to get practical and have hands-on experience caring for the Rose of Jericho. Get yours and enjoy the experience!