First things first: this plant isn’t actually a rose, and it doesn’t come from Jericho. So why the name? Well, it’s all thanks to a pretty incredible party trick. This plant is a master of “resurrection,” transforming from what looks like a dry, dead tumbleweed into a lush, green rosette right before your eyes.
The “Real” Rose of Jericho
To understand why the version most of us own is called the “False” Rose of Jericho, let’s look at the original True Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica):
- The Botany: It’s a desert annual found from Israel to Pakistan.
- The Life Cycle: After it produces seeds, the plant actually dies and dries out, curling its leaves inward.
- The Strategy: This curling protects the seeds from the scorching desert sun.
- The “Bloom”: When it rains, the plant unfurls to release its seeds in perfect germinating conditions.
- The Catch: Even though it “blooms” when wet, it stays brown and lifeless. It’s a one-time mechanical reaction, not a return to life.
The “False” Rose of Jericho
Botanists (and savvy plant sellers) eventually found another plant that pulls off the resurrection symbol even better. Enter *Selaginella lepidophylla*, a spike moss from Central America. This desert dweller is “poikilohydric,” meaning it’s adapted to extreme moisture swings. It can survive weeks of total drought by drying up into a tight ball, but unlike the “True” version, it doesn’t actually kick the bucket—it just goes into deep hibernation.
Why Choose the “False” Version?
Let’s be honest: the True Rose of Jericho isn’t exactly a beauty queen for home decor. Its value is mostly symbolic, representing the biblical resurrection. Plus, once it “awakens,” it’s still technically dead.
The False Rose of Jericho is a different story. When it hits water, it actually comes back to life, turning plump and vibrant green. It’s a long-lived plant that can repeat this magic trick over and over again. Honestly? It’s a much better bang for your buck than the “real” thing.
Quick Tip:
If you already have a False Rose of Jericho at home, you can easily propagate this spike moss using seeds or cuttings.
Quick Guide: Growing the False Rose of Jericho
If you have a warm, sunny spot in your house, this desert plant is a great addition to your collection. Here’s how to keep it happy:
- Soil: Use a well-draining cactus mix.
- Fertilizer: Skip it! This plant doesn’t need extra feeding.
- Water: Be stingy. Water only occasionally and in small amounts.
How to Master the Resurrection
If your False Rose of Jericho is currently a dry brown ball, reviving it is super easy. Just place it in a bowl of cold water. Within a few hours, it will start to unfurl and turn green. Just don’t leave it sitting in water for too long, or it might rot. After three days at most, your revived plant should be back in its soil to stay healthy.
