The Rose of Jericho, often called the “resurrection plant,” is a fascinating houseplant known for its unique ability to survive extreme drying. This species, Selaginella lepidophylla, is native to the arid Chihuahuan Desert of the United States and Mexico. It employs a survival mechanism known as vegetative desiccation tolerance, which allows it to lose up to 95% of its internal water content without cellular damage. When moisture is absent, the plant curls into a tight, seemingly lifeless brown ball, minimizing water loss and entering a dormant state that can last for years. This adaptation allows the plant to wait for the next rainfall.
The Resurrection Process: Waking Up Your Plant
The process of reviving a dormant Rose of Jericho is a demonstration of its survival mechanism. Place the plant in a shallow dish or bowl; no soil is necessary, as it absorbs moisture directly through its fronds and base. Fill the container with room-temperature water, preferably distilled water or rainwater, covering only the very base of the curled plant. Within a few hours, the dry, brown ball will begin to unfurl its outer branches, and the plant will progressively turn a vibrant green over the next 24 to 48 hours as its tissues rehydrate. If the initial water turns a light brown, this is simply the plant releasing stored organic matter from its long dormant period.
Daily Conditions: Light, Water, and Temperature Needs
Once the Rose of Jericho is open and active, its care shifts to maintaining the right environmental balance. While it enjoys a bright environment, it should not be placed in direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds. A location that receives bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window, is ideal for promoting healthy green growth.
The plant’s preferred method of hydration is to sit in a small amount of water in its shallow dish. The water should only cover the root area or the very bottom layer of the plant, preventing the upper fronds from constantly sitting in moisture. It is beneficial to change this water every one to two days to prevent it from becoming stagnant, which can encourage the growth of mold or mildew.
Standard room temperatures, typically between 60°F and 80°F, are suitable for this desert native. It tolerates the dry air commonly found in homes, and while it does not strictly require high humidity, ensuring good air circulation around the plant helps keep it healthy while it is actively absorbing water.
Essential Resting Periods: Managing the Dormancy Cycle
Understanding the plant’s natural need for dormancy is essential for its long-term care. Despite its ability to live in water, the Rose of Jericho is not an aquatic plant, and constant immersion will lead to tissue rot and an unpleasant odor. This resting period mimics the extended dry seasons of its native desert habitat.
A successful care regimen involves a clear wet/dry cycle that prevents the plant from being continuously active. A schedule of keeping the plant wet for approximately five to seven days is generally followed by a dry period. Once the active period is complete, you must remove the plant from the water and allow it to dry out completely.
This necessary desiccation phase should last for at least seven to fourteen days, or until the plant has fully curled back into its tight, brown ball. Allowing the plant to fully dry and rest ensures its long-term viability and ability to repeatedly “resurrect” when it is rehydrated.
Preventing Common Issues and Ensuring Longevity
Most problems encountered with the Rose of Jericho stem from neglecting its dry-out period. The most common issue is the development of mold or mildew, which appears as a fuzzy gray or white growth, caused by stagnant water or the plant remaining wet for too long without adequate airflow. If you observe mold, immediately remove the plant from the water, rinse it clean, and allow it to enter a prolonged, complete dormancy cycle in a dry area.
Consistent failure to allow the plant to dry will inevitably lead to rotting, where the fronds become mushy and develop a foul smell. Any visibly rotted portions should be carefully trimmed away to prevent further decay. The other primary sign of stress is if the active plant begins to look faded or the fronds do not fully unfurl to a rich green color. This often indicates that the plant’s energy reserves are depleted and it requires a longer period of complete dormancy.