Rose of Jericho Plant Care

Did you know that certain plants can last for decades without water? Remarkably, they continue to live and regenerate fresh green when hydrated! Certainly, we are referring to the plant known as the Rose of Jericho.

The Appearance of the Rose of Jericho plant

This is a tiny, moss-like shrub with grayish leaves that doesn’t grow much taller than a foot. Without water, a plant’s stems shrink or curl up, giving the impression that it is a dead root ball.

Eventually, it continues to blow across the deserts like a tumbleweed in pursuit of water. It returns to life and spreads its emerald leaves when given the right amount.

If you are considering purchasing one yourself and considering its specifications, read below to discover more information about the revival plant.

Family and Origin

It belongs to the Brassicaceae family or the Mustard Family. Anastatica hierochuntica is the scientific name of the Rose of Jericho. The species is found in parts of the Middle east.

The Anastatica hierochuntica is the only species that belongs to the genus of Anastatica.

Common names of Rose of Jericho

The plant is widespread worldwide and has had different names across the history and cultures of each place. Here is a list of common ones:

• The Maryam’s Flower.
• Flower of St. Mary.
• Mary’s flower.
• Resurrection plant.
• Dinosaur plant.
• True Rose of Jericho.
• White Mustard Flower.

Characteristics of a Rose of Jericho Plant

The plant’s body is typically made up of spindly, thin stalks.

The foliage is long and resembles threads or frills that emerge from only one stem. They resemble fern leaves.

These shrubs possess weak and little roots, and their flowers are tiny, white, and unnoticeable.

Identity Issue of Rose of Jericho: Which one is the True Rose?

Well, there’s still a mystery! One plant similar in appearance with emerald green leaves is also linked to the title. Indeed, it is a plant called false Rose of Jericho or Selaginella lepidophylla.

Both family Selaginellaceae, as well as the species Selaginella, contain the Fake Rose of Jericho Plant. These two species each come from entirely different lineages. They are identical in nature and appearance, though.

These two plants do, nevertheless, vary in some fundamental ways.

The fake one is simpler to cultivate and may grow with twisted roots. It is also more sociable, easier to find, and less expensive.

In contrast, the real Rose of Jericho requires roots to take up water and resurrect.

How To Care For A Rose of Jericho?

The Rose of Jericho plants require very little maintenance and, thus, are challenging to eradicate. Even dry plants can be placed inside a grocery bag and stored unharmed in a darker cabinet. Years will go by with this survivalist sleeping there with no issues.

It’s vital to note that the criteria for the actual and counterfeit Jericho plants are rather similar. Furthermore, the Real Rose of Jericho plant care is identical to that of a false rose.

Below we will analyze some essentials needed to take care of the Rose of Jericho plants.

Water Supply Needed For Rose of Jericho plant

The fundamental technique is to submerge the dried plant in water and provide periodic “water-free relaxing intervals.” Grab a basin of water with no drainage holes, that’s all. Put some pebbles or stones in it now.

Place your Rose of Jericho plant inside the bowl so that the water can reach its roots. In around four hours, each vine will unfold, revealing the new, vibrant green plant. Water should be changed every day or every other day.

Remember to remove it from the liquid for a full day. Following four to seven days, this may be considered a watering break. This interval is crucial to prevent your plant from decomposing and growing mold.

Allowing it to dry out roughly once per month totally is an essential component in Rose of Jericho maintenance. The plant’s condition will improve as a result.

Another option is to cultivate it as an epiphyte, then affix it to a different plant. Simply sprinkle the plant frequently in this fashion, and don’t fail to give it breaks.

Distilled water vs. Tap water: Which is best for the Rose of Jericho care?

For growth, distilled water is best; you will see emerald green foliage using this. However, tap water is an option after it has sat for the night. The chloride, as well as other poisons, will either dissipate or settle at the bottom as a result.

Rose of Jericho Care: Requirements for Sunlight

The Resurrection plant or the Rose of Jericho Care relies heavily on adequate indirect light. A thoroughly watered plant’s curling could be an indication of insufficient light. 

Rose of Jericho: Criteria for soil

These plants don’t require soil to anchor their roots, as has been previously mentioned. They can function rather well as an epiphyte or even within distilled water.

Nevertheless, a real Rose of Jericho planted in soil fairly moist may develop into a robust flowering plant. After growing roots underwater, even fake ones could also be placed in soil.

Just ensure that you keep your soil reasonably moist if you are planting it in soil. It is essential to remember that such plants typically grow rather big in the soil at this point.

Jericho Rose Plant: Humidity Level Specifications

A Rose of Jericho will not specify any particular moisture levels. We don’t have to take any further steps to keep sufficient humidity for its healthy condition. A Resurrection plant won’t require further hydration beyond a daily spray or a watering dish.

Requirements for Fertilizer

These hardy resurrection plants are grown all over the hardy zones from 8a to 11 in the US. The wide range of hardiness to so many climates indicates that the rose of Jericho doesn’t require any special supplementary feeding.

Required Trimming

These perennials can survive without trimming rather well. However, you may improve the plant’s aesthetic by removing some of its sickly and decaying leaves.

Instead, you won’t see the genuine unhealthy and dead foliage on the dying plant. As a result, it is usually preferable to trim a plant while it is “active.”

Temperature specifications required for Rose of Jericho

These species grow in your region’s ambient temperature. A desirable average temp is between 5 and 35 C for your resurrection plant. The best part is that they are resistant to even frost.

The Effect Of Abrupt Temperature Change

Preserving a Rose of Jericho from abrupt temperature changes is essential to its care. These have a low threshold for sudden temperature fluctuations, even if they are native to hot, arid deserts.

Maintain a safe distance from storms as well. Therefore, the sites near fans, radiators, and air conditioning units are unfavorable for these special youngsters.

Pot Requirements for Resurrection plant

The ideal habitats for such plants are terrariums or interior table pots. However, the resurrection plant thrives outdoors in specific growing zones.

FAQs

We frequently receive questions concerning these plants. To acquire the best understanding of how to take care of a Rose of Jericho, it is crucial to understand the information below.

Why is My Rose of Jericho Still Brown?

Sometimes when people plant the rose of Jericho in water, it only partially expands without turning green. If this happens, the plant doesn’t turn green and stays brown; it can already be dead.

Why Does My Resurrection Plant Remains Brown?

The rose of Jericho remains brown when it is dehydrated and completely dry; when it goes into the water, the plant turns into green foliage.

If the plant remains brown after submerging it in water, the possibility of a dead plant increases. Since the Rose of Jericho is typically obtained dry, it is possible to receive a lifeless plant. Although it is a hard-to-kill plant, it can also perish.

Why Does My Rose of Jericho Open Up Partially?

Improper harvesting or handling is the primary reason for death. This might smother the plant’s body and obliterate the roots. Due to the cells’ enlargement and absorption of water, the plant might partly open.

But neither the appearance of vigor nor the health of the leaves will be improved. 

Why Does My Rose of Jericho take more time to open?

Typically, a dried plant expands after four hours. There seem to be a few plausible explanations if it takes more time than that:

• The Rose of Jericho plant is lifeless and completely dry.
• The water and the Rose of Jericho plant are both freezing. If the water is too cold, consider lukewarm water, and move the plant somewhere hotter.

What is the ideal lighting to grow a Rose of Jericho?

In their latent state, they can endure the dark. Sunlight, however, is crucial for appearing healthy. Put the plant in a location that receives both direct and indirect light.

How To Get Rid of Moss on Rose of Jericho?

Is your Resurrection plant turning brown and black or squishy and stinky? This could be from the moss that is causing the plant to rot. It indicates that you left it in the water for a long time. Immediately take it outside and give the plant some time to dry.

Now don’t hesitate to remove the plant’s gooey and discolored sections. Your plant may recover faster as a result of this.

As a necessary element of Rose of Jericho care, we generally prefer regular water changes and regular drying pauses.

Conclusion

A plant called the Rose of Jericho is incredibly unusual. It crinkles up and endures decades of complete aridity. After being hydrated, it reawakens and regrows all of the vibrantly green leaves. The term relates to two plants of distinct species with the same revival and prerequisite capacity. Whereas the false Rose of Jericho plant has green leaves, the real one will have grey foliage.

These are incredibly low maintenance and resilient to severe shortages of water. To care for a Rose of Jericho includes watering the plant frequently and placing it in indirect light or a water dish. Giving weekly water-free periods followed by full drying every few months is crucial.