How to Take Care of a Rose of Jericho

A container with pebbles and water is recommended for taking care of a Rose of Jericho.

The rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla) is a desert plant classified as something between a moss and fern, according to Dr. T. Ombrello, a professor of biology for Union County College. Native to the southwestern United States, this small plant spends most of its time rolled up into a dry little ball. In fact, it appears dead, but when spring rains arrive, the rose of Jericho quickly absorbs moisture and uncurls, becoming green and lush. For this reason, it is also often called the resurrection plant. When the rose of Jericho uses up most of its moisture, it becomes dormant again, returning to its brown, curled-up form. This plant is often sold as a novelty item at curio shops.

Things You'll Need

• Container that holds water
• Pebbles
• Water

Instructions

1. Choose a good location for your rose of Jericho. Keep it away from hot drafts which can cause it to become brittle, such as by a heater vent, and do not place it in a window where it will be exposed to the direct rays of the sun, as this can fade the green color of the plant when it is open. Consistent, mildly warm temperatures are best. The rose of Jericho does not need soil, so you can place it in any decorative container that will hold water.

2. Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of your container. You will want the plant to rest on the gravel and not be submerged in water, as this can lead to development of mold.

3. Add water to the container so that it barely covers the gravel. Place the rose of Jericho on the gravel with the fronds facing upward.

4. Wait for the rose of Jericho to uncurl, which should take about six to eight hours.

5. Remove the plant from the water after a maximum of three days, as it will need to return to its dormant state at that time. Plants in the wild are not usually supplied with water for longer than three days. In addition, there is no way for this plant to store water, so its primary natural state is the dormant one. If left in water for too long, the plant will begin to develop mold or rot.

Tips & Warnings

• The rose of Jericho can remain in a dormant state for a long time, even decades. You can put your dormant plant on a shelf or in a box and bring it out for display purposes or special occasions, then return it to storage when it becomes dormant again.

References

• Union County College: Plant of the Week: Resurrection Plant
• Flora of North America: Selaginella lepidophylla