The Rose of Jericho, often called the resurrection plant, possesses an unusual ability to “come back to life” when rehydrated. This plant curls into a tight, seemingly lifeless ball during dry periods, then unfurls and greens up when exposed to water. This captivating transformation makes it a popular botanical item, but sometimes, the expected greening does not occur. This article explores the reasons behind a Rose of Jericho’s failure to green and offers guidance on how to encourage its revival.
Identifying Your Rose of Jericho
A primary reason a “Rose of Jericho” might not turn green stems from plant misidentification; two distinct plants are commonly sold under this name. The true Rose of Jericho is Anastatica hierochuntica, a small annual herb native to the Middle East and North Africa. When dry, Anastatica hierochuntica forms a gray, woody ball. Upon rehydration, its branches uncurl, but the plant itself does not typically regain a vibrant green color as its tissues are dead; instead, it disperses seeds that may germinate.
The other plant, often referred to as the false Rose of Jericho, is Selaginella lepidophylla, a spikemoss from the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States and Mexico. This plant, when dry, also forms a tight, brown ball. However, Selaginella lepidophylla is a true resurrection plant that can revive its metabolic activity, unfurling its fronds and turning emerald green within hours or days of rehydration. Most care recommendations apply to Selaginella lepidophylla due to its common availability and ease of care.
Why Your Rose of Jericho Isn’t Greening
Even with a true Selaginella lepidophylla, several factors can prevent it from greening as expected.
Rehydration Method
Incorrect rehydration can hinder revival. The plant should be placed in a shallow dish with just enough water to cover its roots or the base, not fully submerged. Continuous submersion can lead to rot, manifesting as a mushy texture or unpleasant odor.
Water Quality
Water quality also plays a role. Tap water, especially if it contains chlorine or other chemicals, can be detrimental and inhibit the plant’s revival. Room temperature water is generally recommended to avoid shocking the plant.
Light and Temperature
Insufficient light can impact greening; once rehydrated, bright, indirect light is beneficial for photosynthesis. Too much direct sunlight can scorch fronds. Temperature extremes also stress the plant; it prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Plant Health and Age
The age or overall health of the plant before rehydration can affect its ability to green. Mishandled or very old plants may have a diminished capacity for revival, as its ability to revive can decrease over time and after numerous rehydration cycles.
Steps to Revive Your Plant
To encourage your Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla) to green, ensure proper rehydration. Place the plant in a shallow dish with water covering only its base. It typically unfurls within hours and may take 24-48 hours to fully open and start greening. Daily water changes prevent mold and rot.
Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater, as these lack harsh chemicals found in tap water. If using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to dissipate chlorine.
Provide bright, indirect light once hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight. Maintain a stable room temperature, ideally 60-80°F (15-27°C), avoiding drafts.
Patience is necessary; full greening can take several days to a week. Regular dormancy periods are important for longevity. Allow the plant to dry out completely once a week for a day or two, and a full dry period of a week once a month, to mimic its natural desert cycles and prevent rot.
Recognizing a Truly Dead Plant
Even with proper care, some Rose of Jericho plants may simply be beyond revival. If, after multiple rehydration attempts, your plant remains entirely brown or shows no signs of unfurling or greening, it might be truly dead. A healthy plant will show some signs of opening and absorbing water, even if it doesn’t fully green.
Signs of a plant beyond revival include extreme brittleness that doesn’t soften after prolonged soaking. A foul odor, mushy texture, or blackening parts indicate advanced rot. While resilient, Selaginella lepidophylla’s ability to revive diminishes over time and with repeated cycles, especially if dormant conditions were suboptimal. If troubleshooting steps yield no positive response, it may be time to replace the plant.