Rose of Jericho, nicknamed the resurrection plant, is a desert native that can survive for years without a single drop of water. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States and Mexico, it looks like a dried-out tumbleweed when dormant. However, once the plant is exposed to moisture, its dry, brown stems unfurl into lush, emerald-green fern-like fronds. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense plant or a unique addition to your indoor garden, rose of Jericho is a fantastic choice.
Rose of Jericho Overview
| Genus Name | Selaginella lepidophylla |
| Common Name | Rose of Jericho |
| Additional Common Names | False rose of Jericho, Resurrection plant, Resurrection moss, Dinosaur plant, Stone flower, Survival plant |
| Plant Type | Houseplant |
| Light | Part Sun |
| Height | 6 to 12 inches |
| Width | 3 to 6 inches |
| Foliage Color | Blue/Green |
| Zones | 10, 8, 9 |
| Propagation | Stem Cuttings |
| Problem Solvers | Drought Tolerant |
All care tips in this guide apply to the "false" rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla); however, it’s important to know that there is another plant sometimes called the "true" rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica). Both of these plants dry out into tumbleweed-like balls to survive drought, but "true" rose of Jericho is trickier to keep and needs to be potted in soil to rehydrate properly. When shopping for rose of Jericho, double-check the plant label to confirm you’re getting the right one.
Where to Plant Rose of Jericho
Rose of Jericho is primarily grown as a houseplant, although it can be kept outdoors in dappled light during summer. However, the desert native isn't cold-hardy and should be brought inside before temperatures drop below 65°F.
Indoor plants grow well on sunny windowsills and can be kept under a grow light if your home doesn’t receive much sun. While rose of Jericho plants can grow in a pot filled with moist soil, the easier and more popular choice is to grow them in low containers filled with gravel or pebbles and water. Terra-cotta saucers or upcycled bowls are popular planter options, and low ikebana vases offer a minimalistic, elegant look. Avoid using deep dishes to hold rose of Jericho, as proper airflow is essential for reducing mildew growth.
How and When to Plant Rose of Jericho
Rose of Jericho plants are typically sold in their dry form. Rehydrating these plants for the first time is always an exciting experience. You can "wake up" your rose of Jericho at any time of the year by misting it thoroughly or placing the plant on top of a low saucer filled with pebbles and water. Once exposed to water, a rose of Jericho will unfurl its fronds within 3 to 4 hours and turn progressively more green over several days.
Although resurrection plants require minimal maintenance, they can develop mold if they aren’t allowed to dry out occasionally. To avoid this, remove the plant from its moist environment one day every week, and completely dry out the plant once every month.
Rose of Jericho Care Tips
Rose of Jericho is relatively low-maintenance but does have some specific water needs.
Light
Rose of Jericho loves sunlight, but too much bright sun can cause leaf scorch. A window that receives bright, indirect light is the best choice for this plant.
Soil and Water
Although most growers keep rose of Jericho in a low container filled with pebbles and water, the plant also grows in pots with soil. When grown in soil, rose of Jericho needs to be watered often to keep the soil consistently moist.
Water cultivation is the preferred method for growing rose of Jericho because it gives gardeners more flexibility and makes it easier to dry out the plant. When kept in water, the growing container must be cleaned and refreshed with new water every day or two to prevent mold and mushy leaves.
Because rose of Jericho can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water, it’s best to water these plants with distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that’s been resting for 24 hours.
Temperature and Humidity
Rose of Jericho isn’t fussy about temperature and humidity. The desert native does well at average room temperature, and plants grown in water-filled containers naturally receive all the humidity they need. Just make sure to shelter these plants from extreme heat and drafty windows.
Fertilizer
Many growers never fertilize rose of Jericho, but if your plant looks like it needs a pick-me-up, fertilize it twice a year in spring and midsummer with a liquid organic fertilizer diluted to 1/10 strength.
Pruning
Pruning is rarely needed for rose of Jericho, but if your plant develops mushy, damaged, or broken stems, cut them away with scissors. The best time to tidy rose of Jericho is immediately after you "wake up" the plant.
Pests and Problems
Rose of Jericho is usually very hardy but can develop a few problems. Acting quickly at the first signs of pests and diseases will help your plant recover. Aphids are common plant pests that sometimes target rose of Jericho, but rinsing the plant with a strong blast of water from your kitchen sink should dislodge these sap-sucking insects and help the plant bounce back.
Even though rose of Jericho appreciates water, the plant needs to dry out occasionally. Plants kept in water for too long can develop mildew and mushy, smelly, or rotted stems. To avoid this, remove the plant from water one day per week and keep it in an area with good airflow.
Rose of Jericho usually unfurls quickly when exposed to water. However, if you thoroughly soak your plant and it remains in a tight, brown ball, it may be time to find a new resurrection plant.
How to Propagate Rose of Jericho
Like ferns, rose of Jericho reproduces via spores and doesn’t flower or yield seeds. However, if you want to propagate the plant, dividing it is the easiest method.
- In spring or late fall, cut off a full leaf frond from a rehydrated rose of Jericho plant using a sterilized pair of scissors.
- Lay the frond on a tray or bowl filled with pebbles and water. You should notice new growth on the cutting within a few days.
- Care for the new plant the same way as the parent plant. Place it on a tray or bowl of water and gravel, or in potting mix, and watch it fill in over time.
