The Rose of Jericho, often called the “resurrection plant,” possesses a remarkable ability to seemingly return to life after extended periods without water. This unique characteristic has made it a symbol of resilience. Its transformation from a dry, curled ball to a vibrant green specimen highlights its unique place in the plant kingdom.
The Science of Survival
The Rose of Jericho (specifically Selaginella lepidophylla) achieves its survival through desiccation tolerance. When water becomes scarce in its native Chihuahuan Desert habitat, the plant undergoes a physiological change. It curls its delicate stems and leaves inward, forming a tight, protective ball. This compact shape significantly reduces the plant’s exposed surface area, minimizing moisture loss.
During desiccation, the plant enters a state of metabolic shutdown. Its cellular functions are reduced to a minimum, allowing it to conserve energy and protect its internal structures from damage. Specialized sugars like trehalose and polyols play a role in safeguarding cellular integrity by replacing water within the tissues and stabilizing proteins and membranes. This combination of physical curling and metabolic suspension enables the Rose of Jericho to endure extreme drought.
Indefinite Dormancy and Rehydration
The Rose of Jericho can survive for remarkably long durations without water in its dormant, balled-up state. This period of desiccation can last for months, years, or even decades, with documented instances of survival for as long as fifty years. Its ability to remain dormant for such extended periods highlights its unique survival mechanisms.
To rehydrate a dormant Rose of Jericho, place the dry plant in a shallow dish with room-temperature water. The water level should cover its roots but not submerge the entire plant. The plant will begin to unfurl within a few hours, typically opening fully and turning green within 24 to 48 hours. This rehydration process is primarily for display and observation, as the plant does not require soil.
Post-Rehydration Care
Once the Rose of Jericho has unfurled and become green, specific care practices help maintain its health. Place it in a shallow dish containing a layer of pebbles or gravel with water just covering the stones, allowing its roots to touch the water. Change the water daily or every other day to prevent stagnation, mold, and rot.
To prevent rotting, provide periodic drying cycles. After about a week of hydration, remove the plant from the water and allow it to dry out completely, mimicking its natural desert environment. Give the plant a full week without water about once a month, allowing it to curl back into its dormant state. Place the hydrated plant in a location with bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight.
True vs. False Rose of Jericho
It is important to distinguish between the two plants commonly referred to as “Rose of Jericho.” The plant embodying extreme desiccation tolerance and “resurrection” ability is Selaginella lepidophylla, often called the “False Rose of Jericho” or “Resurrection Plant.” This spikemoss is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States and Mexico, and it curls into a tight ball when dry, unfurling when hydrated without needing to be rooted.
The other plant, Anastatica hierochuntica, is known as the “True Rose of Jericho.” Native to the deserts of the Middle East, this flowering plant is less common in cultivation and behaves differently. While it also curls inward when dry, Anastatica hierochuntica typically needs to be rooted in soil to properly revive and display its green foliage, unlike Selaginella lepidophylla, which can unfurl simply from contact with water. Most often, when people refer to the “Rose of Jericho” and its remarkable survival traits, they are referring to Selaginella lepidophylla.