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When I came across the Resurrection Plant, aka the false Rose of Jericho, I was immediately intrigued and had to have one for my houseplant collection. This has to be one of the coolest, most unknown plants out there.
What is a Resurrection Plant
The Resurrection Plant is most known for its ability to survive without water for extended periods of time. When it is dry or in a dormant state it will curl into a tight ball and appear dead. With just a little water it will start to unfurl and green up with in hours.
This unique plant’s native habitat is the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. This includes the Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert and parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Northern Mexico. So you can imagine pretty arid environmental conditions with sandy or rocky soil.
In the wild this desert plant will release it roots and curl up to protect its moisture reserves and reduce water loss. It will bounce about like a tumbleweed in search of fresh water. Once found it will start the resurrection process and begin the extraordinary cycle all over again.
The scientific name for this particular Resurrection Plant is Selaginella lepidophylla. It is a genus of plants in the family Selaginellaceae or more commonly known as spikemosses. You may also see unique plant called Rose of Jericho, Jericho Rose, Dinosaur Plant or Siempre Viva which translate to “always alive”.
False Rose of Jericho vs. True Rose of Jericho
What we will most readily have access to through Amazon, Hobby Lobby or most plant stores is really the False Rose of Jericho. The true Rose of Jericho is a very similar, but different plant. Both have the same remarkable ability to come back to life. However the true Rose of Jericho is native to the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. Additionally, the true Rose of Jericho is in Brassicaceae family with broccoli and cabbage while the false Rose of Jericho is in the spikemoss family.
Folklore and Symbolism
The Resurrection Plant serves as different symbols among various cultures.
Within the Christian tradition both names, Rose of Jericho and Resurrection Plant have biblical ties. Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testament. Including the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. The name also symbolized the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion.
Folk magic believes the plant can ward off evil spires and bring peace and harmony. Other cultures view this remarkable plant as a symbol of renewal and rebirth.
Proper Care Instructions
This has got to be the easiest plant to care for! If you have a bad habit of underwatering and tend to unintentionally have dead plants around, now you can say….he is supposed to be like that! In fact, it is good for him.
When your own Rose of Jericho arrives or you buy it in a store, it will appear dead. So now what?
Potting
Select a shallow dish or bowl, with no drainage, that is slightly larger than your fern-like plant. You can add pebbles or small rocks, if you like. Honestly, you can not put anything in it at all and it will be just fine.
While it doesn’t require any soil, you can use a mixture of sand and a good soil for cactus or succulents. However, if you do so then make sure you have really good drainage and just set the plant right on top. No need to bury it. Make sure you let the moist soil completely dry out before watering again.
Water
When you are ready to bring your dry plant to life, you can dunk it a bowl of water. Use room-temperature water, preferably distilled water rather than tap water.
Then you can place it in your dish. Pour just a bit of water in the bottom of your dish. It does not need much, just enough to cover the bottom.
You will notice your Resurrection plant start to green and unfurl with in 1 or 2 hours. After about 24 hours will be completely open.
You can give it a mist from a spray bottle occasionally to enjoy your vibrant plant for a few days.
However, it is important to give it plenty of dry periods. Allow your plant to remain in a dry state for about a week or so before resurrecting it again. Part of it’s botanical wonder is that it not only survives for an extended period without water, but it needs it. The Resurrection Plant is susceptible to root rot if it is allowed continuous soaking.
In fact, if you are noticing a foul odor from your plant, this is likely the issue. Move it to a dry place and give it a rest. It does naturally have a strong, very earthy fragrance, especially when watered and open. But it shouldn’t be offensive.
Light
During the summer, my Rose of Jericho is living on my back deck. Bright, indirect light is best.
If living indoors allow it to live near a window that gets really good light.
Temperature
If you live in warmer climates, your plant will love living outdoors in the summer. However, it is a good idea to overwinter inside. Since a healthy plant can go years without water, you can just leave it alone all winter.
Pruning
While your plant is in its open state you can shape and trim off any parts that don’t green up.
Where can you get your very own Dinosaur Plant?
If you are super excited to add this strange and unique plant to your collection, there are a few places you can get it. And they are not very expensive either! I grabbed mine on Amazon. I have not seen them anywhere else. But, I have heard you can find them at places like Hobby Lobby and some plant or garden centers.
ORDER YOUR PLANT HERE!
Summary
This plant makes a great addition. It is super easy to care for and very low maintenance. It has to be impossible to kill!
Overwatering is the most common issue, so forgetting to water it…not a problem. In fact, be sure you are giving it plenty of dry time.
Let us know how your Resurrection Plant is doing. Also, feel free to share any tips or suggestions you have for taking care of this desert tumbleweed.