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How to Grow Jericho Rose

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Jericho Rose

Selaginella lepidophylla

herb

The Jericho Rose is a remarkable resurrection plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert that can survive extreme desiccation by curling into a tight ball and entering dormancy for years. When exposed to moisture, it rapidly unfurls and becomes vibrant green within hours. This unique plant is more of a curiosity and decorative piece than a traditional garden plant, thriving indoors as a low-maintenance houseplant.

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Example Jericho Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Jericho Rose

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Jericho Rose

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jericho Rose dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright indirect light; tolerates low light but prefers some brightness
💧
Water: Water sparingly when active and green; allow to dry completely between waterings. Can be revived by misting or soaking the dried ball in water for 2-4 hours
📏
Spacing: Not applicable for individual plants; space 6-12 inches apart if growing multiple specimens inches
📅
Days to maturity: N/A (mature plant purchased as dormant ball)
🌱
Planting depth: Plant ball on soil surface or shallow container; does not require deep soil

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil, or cactus/succulent potting mix
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite coarse sand gravel

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10-11; grows best indoors in any climate

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Dormant/Desiccated

Indefinite (months to years)

Plant forms a tight, compact brown ball and can remain in this state indefinitely

Store in cool, dry place. No watering needed. Can last years without moisture

2

Rehydration

1-4 hours

Within 1-4 hours of moisture exposure, fronds begin to uncurl and turn green

Mist lightly or soak ball in distilled water for 2-4 hours; remove excess water

3

Active Growth

2-4 weeks (until dried out again if watering stops)

Fully unfurled fern-like green foliage spreads outward in delicate fronds from central crown

Keep soil lightly moist (not wet), provide bright indirect light, maintain humidity around 50%

4

Decline/Re-desiccation

1-2 weeks

Fronds gradually brown and curl inward as soil dries out

Allow to dry completely; do not force watering if plant is declining naturally

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Other succulents air plants snake plants echeveria

Avoid planting near:

High-humidity plants moisture-loving plants water-heavy ferns

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity, mist regularly, isolate affected plants, use insecticidal soap if severe

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; treat with neem oil if widespread

  • Manually remove or treat with horticultural oil; improve air circulation

Uses

🏠

Living Novelty Display

Household

Jericho Rose serves as a fascinating conversation piece and educational tool, demonstrating the remarkable ability of resurrection plants to survive extreme desiccation and rapidly revive. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In Middle Eastern and Mexican folk medicine, Jericho Rose has been used traditionally to aid childbirth and support women's health, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

🎨

Decorative Dried Arrangement

Craft

The dried, curled form of the Jericho Rose is used in craft projects, terrariums, and decorative arrangements, prized for its unique sculptural appearance. [source]

🦋

Desert Habitat Support

Wildlife

In its native desert habitat, Jericho Rose provides shelter and habitat value for small arthropods and insects during wet periods. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not harvested for consumption. Simply enjoy the plant's unique ability to revive from dormancy by periodically soaking or misting to watch it unfurl

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Jericho Rose can lose up to 95% of its water content and enter a state of cryptobiosis (suspended animation), surviving for years without water—it's considered a 'true' resurrection plant capable of surviving complete desiccation.
  • 🌱 The plant's rapid unfurling after watering was so remarkable to ancient peoples that it became associated with biblical stories and was called the 'Rose of Jericho,' though it is not actually a rose.
  • 🌱 Scientists study resurrection plants like Selaginella lepidophylla to understand extreme stress tolerance and potential applications in agriculture and medicine for protecting cells and tissues.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown
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