Let’s be honest: the Rose of Jericho isn’t exactly a beauty queen while it’s growing. And once it dries out? Well, it doesn’t get much prettier. But despite its looks, this plant is absolutely fascinating because of its famous “resurrection” trick. After a dry spell, a little water makes it unfurl and “come back to life.”
The catch? It’s not actually alive when it does that. Because the plant is technically dead during its resurrection, you can’t just revive it forever. If you want fresh, green growth, you’ll need to start from scratch.
The Rose of Jericho is an Annual
The “True” Rose of Jericho is a member of the mustard family. As the plant dies, it curls its dried leaves into a tight ball. When it rains, those leaves unfurl—much like a rosebud opening its petals—which is how this desert native (found from Israel to Pakistan) got its name. Because of this powerful symbolism of rebirth, the dried plants are super popular for Easter and Christmas traditions.
You can actually grow the living plant right at home! Just keep in mind that even with the best care, it will die off within a year and turn into that familiar brown, woody ball. That short lifespan is just hardwired into its DNA. So, if you want a continuous supply of living plants, you’ll need to learn how to propagate them.
How the Rose of Jericho Protects Its Seeds
The Rose of Jericho relies on seeds to keep the next generation going. These seeds are tucked away in fruits shielded by those tightly curled leaves. This setup protects them from the scorching desert sun until a rainstorm creates the perfect conditions for sprouting. Once the water hits, the leaves open up and release the seeds. Since this is an annual plant, growing from seed is the only way to get a new living plant in your home.
Sowing the Seeds
The best time to start your seeds is in March or April. You’ll be surprised at how fast they move—germination usually happens in just a few days! You can use seeds you’ve harvested yourself or store-bought ones. To get the “Rose” to open up and release its seeds quickly, try placing it in warm water.
Here’s how to get your seeds started:
- Use a dry, nutrient-poor sand mixture.
- Bird sand works great for this.
- Alternatively, you can use a cactus potting mix.
- Fill small starter pots with your substrate.
- Spread the seeds on top, but don’t cover them with soil.
- Place them in a warm, sunny spot.
- Keep the soil consistently (but lightly) moist.
Pro Tip:
You might run into something called the “False Rose of Jericho” at the garden center. This is actually a spike moss from Central America. Unlike the true version, this one actually *does* come back to life and start growing again after being watered. Since it’s a perennial, you can propagate that version using cuttings instead!
