The intriguing Rose of Jericho is one of the most fascinating yet easy to grow houseplants because of its ability to survive extreme dehydration, then quickly revive upon rewatering. These resilient plants native to deserts of the Middle East and Northern Africa have evolved incredible adaptations, making them masters of dormancy.
During dry conditions that would fatally injure most vegetation, Rose of Jericho plants have the capacity to fully shut down metabolic functions and lose almost all moisture content, withering down while waiting for the next life-giving drink.
When the environment does shift to provide precious water, a sprinkling over a dormant Rose of Jericho initiates a startling transformation back to lush green foliage. Leaves stiff and curled in a parched state soon unfurl and soften within hours, flexible plant structures going completely rigid then back to normal texture and size with basic care. Witnessing the resurrection powers makes raising these exceptionally durable yet eye-catching curiosities a perpetually satisfying endeavor.
What Is a Rose of Jericho?
The Rose of Jericho, also known as the resurrection plant, is an amazing variety of the Selaginella genus with desert origins and adaptive properties allowing it to completely shut down its system then revive when water returns to the environment. It has earned namesake ties to the arid biblical city of Jericho for its seemingly divine resilience.
As a species of spike moss native to areas across Northern Africa, Southern Europe, and Middle Eastern regions, the Rose of Jericho evolved exceptional tolerances living in extremely hot, parched environments subject to long droughts followed by brief windows of rainfall. Survival depended on its ability to withstand desiccation with specialized structural and metabolic shifts to enter stasis until the next life-giving water source came along.
During dormancy, as relative humidity drops under 35%, the Rose of Jericho taps its evolutionary adaptations and undergoes a process known as anhydrobiosis to prevent fatal water loss. It coils inward as leaves curl up and take on a protective arrangement armed with skins and oils containing trehalase sugars.
These act as natural antifreeze compounds to structure cells and tissues, while almost no fluid remains within the plant. Hardened in this manner, the Rose of Jericho in its dried state is able to exist for over a year if needed while awaiting the day water rehydrates its tissues.
Once revived by moisture returning to contact its leaves, the Rose of Jericho goes from a crisp, lightweight shell back to softened leaves unfurling with visible turgor changes in a matter of hours. Green pigments obscured by brownish dormant colors resurface within a day or two of deep watering.
The raging desert outside again supports this marvel of survival, ready to photosynthesize and metabolize for the weeks ahead until soluble soil resources become unavailable. As the fragile window closes, the well-adapted Rose of Jericho simply shuts down again.
The visually intriguing show this plant displays makes it an extremely popular novelty houseplant traded at nurseries and stores specializing in unusual vegetation. Beyond being a visually stimulating curiosity demonstrating plant resilience, the Rose of Jericho offers value cleansing indoor air much like other houseplants while adapting easily to most environments. The key to successfully cultivating it as a potted specimen is mimicking wet/dry cycles tied to its native climate.
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Types of Resurrection Plants
While the Rose of Jericho may be the most common resurrection plant, it belongs to a group containing over 1300 species of plants with specialized adaptations enabling them to survive severe desiccation. These marvels of nature can lose nearly all cellular moisture content, then spring back to active life once water again becomes available. There are three primary categories of resurrection plants.
Anastatica Hierochuntica
Known as the true Rose of Jericho, Anastatica hierochuntica earns the symbolic name ties to biblical city Jericho and stories of struggle and revival. This small desert shrub displays perhaps the most visually stunning transformation of resurrection plants. As moisture withdraws, the woody stem branches coil intricately around the center tip until forming a tight gray seed head measuring just inches wide.
Delicate foliage falls away as part of its survival mechanism. When water returns, the seed head unravels over days, extending limbs outward as if resurrected from slumber by miracle waters. New shoots eventually emerge from bare branches. Beyond mesmerizing shows of death and rebirth depicting hope, Anastatica offers calming herbal tea.
The intricate spiral curling patterns of the Anastatica’s stems and branches twisting around itself during dessication gives this plant added uniqueness. Coiled inward and sheltered by dry bark layers, the living tissues survive hot, parched conditions over a year until rainfall unlocks its resurrection capabilities to grow anew.
Selaginella Lepidophylla
Perhaps the hardiest resurrection plant behind exotic extremophytes, the appropriately named Selaginella lepidophylla earns its common name Rose of Jericho from frequently marking the very edges of desert habitability. Found across the harshest zones of the Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert and dry lands nestled among southwestern America’s canyon rock formations, Selaginella survives both frigid winters and blazing summers courtesy of evolved tricks allowing its small fern-like foliage to completely dry then revive countless times over decades.
As the sole moisture sources of sporadic summer thunderstorms giving way to bone dry winters, whole plant communities with Selaginella go into metabolic shutdown to endure. Foliage curls into brown, durable balls lined internally with sugars that glassify remaining cellular fluid to prevent crystallization damage. Come summer, darkened balls transform within 2 days of monsoon downpours into green feathery foliage, harvesting precious wet seasons before next winter’s deep sleep.
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- Jericho Flower is also called Jericho Rose or Rosa de Jericho in Spanish
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Care Instructions for Rose of Jericho
Successfully growing the unique Rose of Jericho houseplant centers on properly managing wet/dry cycles that mimic the extreme desert environments this resilient resurrection plant evolved to inhabit. While flexible adapting to indoor conditions, providing appropriate soil, light, and cycles of water then drought will keep specimens thriving for years.
Soil Requirements
The Rose of Jericho prefers a porous cactus/succulent soil mix that drains rapidly yet offers substantial water holding capacity between infrequent, deep watering. Aim for soil components like coarse sand, perlite, pumice, or gravel blended with quality potting soil at roughly a 1:1 ratio. Clay additions also encourage drier conditions. Soil pH between 6.1 and 7.8 suits most, but Rose of Jericho tolerates more alkalinity than other houseplants if tap water source leans higher.
While soil quality is important when actively growing and rooting, a soil medium itself is non-essential during dormancy phases. In desert-like dormant states, Rose of Jericho plants can survive over a year pot-free. Wrapping dried root balls gently in newspaper or paper towels keeps air circulating to prevent mold growth until the next rehydration period calls roots back into duty.
Lighting Needs
Rose of Jericho houseplants thrive under bright, direct light conditions. South facing windowsills offer ideal indoor positions replicating native growing environments. Supplement with full spectrum, high intensity grow lights if gradually sloping foliage indicates insufficient light intensity. Photoperiods favoring 16 hours of light followed by 8 hours darkness promote capable growth and tighter clumping foliage formations.
Even while dried and dormant, Rose of Jericho plants continue needing at least modest lighting to nurture the preservation process until water returns. Low light during dormancy won’t necessarily hurt hardy Rose of Jericho plants, but may slow their transition and growth rates each time the rehydration phase initiates. Position dried plants near bright windows and consider occasional rotations to ensure all sides receive exposure.
Watering Guidelines
When actively growing, keep Rose of Jericho soil consistently moist, but not overly wet. Allow the top layers to partially dry out in between thorough weekly watering. Lower leaves yellowing is an indication plants need more regular watering frequencies if soil dries too rapidly. Constant standing moisture invites diseases and resets dormancy survival processes, so err on the drier side. During growth phases, apply monthly half strength balanced fertilizer to encourage lush, attractive clumping.
To set dormancy, cease all water and fertilizer applications and allow plants to fully dry over periods from 2 weeks up to 6 months. Replicate desert conditions by ensuring low ambient humidity under 40 percent. Leaves progressively brown and curl as moisture evaporates. Judge revival timing based on individual plant health and age. Older plants may only tolerate a few months dried, vs younger tolerating half a year or more.
Fertilizing
When actively growing, Rose of Jericho benefits from monthly fertilizing at half strength concentration. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer to supply key macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Follow label instructions for dilution ratios when watering to avoid burning tender roots and foliage with excess salts. Overfertilization risks damage during active growth cycles.
Reduce fertilizer frequency during peak summer growth spurts if foliage begins yellowing on leaf margins, indicating excess salt buildup. Rinse soil thoroughly every few months to prevent excess mineral accumulation. Stop fertilizer applications when allowing plants to go dormant prior to drying out. The cues to cease stimulating active growth depend on the individual plant’s needs.
Grooming
Rose of Jericho requires very minimal grooming attention, especially when dried for dormancy. If overgrowing the desired size during hydrated growth spurts, trim back wayward branching stems using sterilized shears. Take care not to damage lower bud sites producing new shoots and foliage clusters.
Any trimmed healthy branches or leaves containing nodes may attempt propagation via cuttings. Remove damaged, dying foliage promptly to curtail disease spread. Selectively pluck yellowed interior leaves to encourage new growth. When rehydrating plants, give a gentle shake or hose down if dust accumulated while dormant. Groom away dead debris clinging to the base.
Temperature and Humidity
Rose of Jericho thrives in average household temperatures from 65-80°F and adapts to relative humidity ranging between 40-60% during awake cycles. Cooler temperatures may slow growth and delay transition from dried to hydrated states. Ensure proper soil warmth for root activity, at least above 60°F.
Dry ambient air quickens the onset of dormancy, which is beneficial. Target 40% humidity or lower to begin drying phase. Avoid overly cold drafts below 50°F and sustained heat over 85°F that can shock plants. Controlled conditions reduce watering frequency requirements. Dormancy allows survival of temperatures from freezing up to over 100°F, but extreme cold may damage hydrated new shoots.
Propagation
Rose of Jericho propagates reliably from leaf cuttings containing nodes taken during lush green growth phases. Select vigorously growing stems with healthy leaves. Sterilize sharp shears and cut several sets of leaves, complete with short stem sections. Allow cut ends to briefly dry and callous over 24 hours.
Then insert prepared cuttings into moist propagating mix, leaving half buried. Provide bright indoor light while protecting new growth from direct sun. Roots form within weeks for transplanting directly into cactus/succulent soil blend. Rapid saturation followed by allowing cuttings to completely dry out also works.
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Where Resurrection Plant Grows Best?
In their native desert environments, resurrection plants evolved to inhabit rocky soils, canyon walls, and arid slopes receiving minimal rainfall but maximal solar exposure. Their growing preferences translate well to cultivated settings by replicating dry, bright conditions.
Indoors, resurrection plants thrive on sunny south-facing windowsills where temperatures climb higher with several hours of direct light. Light requirements depend on variety but most desire at least 4–6 hours of sun matching strength from outdoor exposures. Supplemental full-spectrum grow lights provide necessary intensity in low light indoor spots. Some resurrection plants suit shadier bright locations yet may grow more openly and turn darker hues with additional light energy to photosynthesize.
Outdoors, resurrection plants grow best situated in well-draining raised garden beds, rock gardens, sandy fields and on slopes with reflective surfaces increasing sunlight capture. Most varieties tolerate partial shade outdoors but favor full sun. Ensuring sharp drainage prevents overly wet soil during dormancy. Mulch top layers to retain subsurface moisture between deep waterings but avoid saturated soil, limiting oxygen circulation to roots.
For containers outdoors, choose shallow, wide pots allowing maximum solar exposure across more resurrection plant surface area. Unglazed terracotta, concrete and wood planters represent excellent dormant season homes, resisting temperature extremes better than crack-prone plastic pots. Match resurrection plant size at maturity to containers, allowing room for tangled root structures yet avoiding continually wet soil. Compacted, dense media suffocates gas exchange necessary for survival bursts after rehydration.
Greenhouse environments enable greatest control over resurrection plant growing parameters through adjustable ventilation, shade cloths, precisely concentrated nutrients and lighting modifications. Temperature, humidity, soil chemistry shifts and watering accuracy benefits sensitive species. However, home hydroponic and aeroponic set-ups also sustain many resilient resurrection plant varieties, given careful system optimizations.
With a bit of environmental preference tweaking, resurrection plants grow wonderfully across diverse indoor and outdoor cultivated landscapes. Their natural flexibility ensures success when providing degrees of adjustable dryness, seasonal soaking and bright.
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Common Issues With Rose of Jericho
While resilient against extreme drought, Rose of Jericho plants still fall victim to typical houseplant infections and disorders when cultivated perpetually indoors. Careful cultural controls prevent most problems but watch for these common trouble signs requiring intervention:
- Leaf is not opening. If dried dormant Rose of Jericho plants fail to open leaves after rewatering, the tissue may be too damaged for recovery. Evaluate brown leaves for remaining flexibility by gently squeezing and check for interior green tones. If minimal green internal leaf color remains visible, the plant likely died during excess dormancy. Propagate replacements from healthy plants.
- Moss accumulation. Stagnant moisture and high humidity encourage troublesome moss growth in Rose of Jericho soil during dormancy. Carefully wash away all visible moss, then allow plants to fully dry again. Apply sulfur fungicide powder after rewetting to deter future moss recurrence. Improve soil drainage and reduce watering frequency.
- Black spots on leaves. Dark lesions on Rose of Jericho foliage indicate fungal or bacterial leaf spot diseases, often arising from excess moisture. Improve light and airflow circulation while treating with copper fungicidal spray. Remove infected leaves promptly to avoid spread, then do not rewet foliage when watering to limit infection cycles.
- Plant pests. Insects like scale, mealybugs and spider mites may colonize Rose of Jericho plants grown perpetually indoors. Look for clusters of bumps on stems or undersides of leaves. Wipe away visible pests, then apply insecticidal soap spray targeting hiding juveniles. Ensure plants dry adequately between waterings.
- If entire Rose of Jericho branches or plants rapidly blacken then shrivel, blights are likely responsible. These aggressive contagions require immediate removal and destruction of all infected plant material to protect remaining plants. Sterilize shears after every cut when excising diseased sections. Improve air circulation and reduce watering duration to deter blights.
- Mold growth. High ambient humidity and poor soil drainage frequently results in gray, fuzzy mold growth on dried dormant Rose of Jericho plants. Remove affected plants from soil and clean away all mold, then allow to further air dry before rewetting. Sprinkle sulfur powder on soil as a preventative before potting again.
- Weak flowering. Inadequate bright light often causes few, small blooms on flowering Rose of Jericho varieties. Move plants closer to sunny windows or supplement with grow lights, ensuring a minimum 12 hours daily. Pinch back buds during propagation phase and use lower nitrogen fertilizers to enhance flowering instead of only vegetative growth.
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FAQs
Are Jericho Roses sensitive plants?
No, Rose of Jericho plants are extremely tolerant and adaptable plants. They are resurrection plants, capable of surviving very harsh growing conditions that would kill most other species. Their abilities to go dormant without water or soil makes them far less sensitive than typical houseplants.
Is the Rose of Jericho toxic?
No parts of the Rose of Jericho plant are considered toxic to people or pets, according to botanical safety sources. A few sources say skin irritation is possible from plant saps in sensitive individuals, but serious toxicity issues are not documented.
What is the leaf opening time for Rose of Jericho?
When completely dried out, Rose of Jericho plants will start opening their leaves within just an hour or two after water is added. Full leaf expansion and transitioning from brown back to green takes 24–48 hours once rehydration begins.
Does the Rose of Jericho bloom flowers?
No, Rose of Jericho plants do not produce noticeable flowers in cultivation or in native desert habitats. They reproduce from seeds and propagate from leaf cuttings rather than flowering. Their incredible drought-tolerant foliage adaptations get all the attention, since visually they lack blooms.
Are resurrection plants like Rose of Jericho immortal?
Even though they can survive extreme dehydration, resurrection plants can still die from prolonged inadequate growing conditions or disease. Their special adaptations allow them to go dormant and shut down during droughts that would kill other plants, but they have limits and require occasional periods of rehydration and growth.
What is the typical size of a Rose of Jericho plant?
In ideal conditions, a mature Rose of Jericho generally reaches 2–3 inches in diameter when fully hydrated and green. The plant shrivels and shrinks significantly when moisture is withdrawn in its dried dormant state.
How long does it take for a Rose of Jericho plant to dry out and go dormant?
It can take around 1–2 weeks for a Rose of Jericho kept indoors to fully dry out from a saturated state and enter dormancy. The exact duration depends on humidity and airflow conditions. Warmer and drier environments speed up drying.
What symbolic meanings are associated with Rose of Jericho plants?
Mythology and religion connect Rose of Jericho plants with themes like resilience, sacrifice, and rebirth. Their ability of emerging from completely dried states gives these plants symbolic meaning reflecting revival, endurance, and hope. Some also feel the plants symbolize the link between humanity and the environment.
Is it possible to turn a dried Rose of Jericho green again?
Yes, a dormant brown Rose of Jericho will turn green again within hours of being rewatered after completely drying out. It's an amazing example of the incredible adaptions of resurrection plants that allows them to toggle between active green growth and inert dry states.
How long is the typical lifespan of a Rose of Jericho plant?
Well cared for, Rose of Jericho houseplants can live for over 20 years. Their alternating cycles of green active growth when watered followed by browned dried dormancy during drought is key to their impressive longevities.
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