It may be called a “rose”, but it is not actually one in the botanical sense: we are talking about the Rose of Jericho. Various plants are offered under this name, with the real rose of Jericho referring to the desert plant Anastatica hierochuntica, which is widespread in Israel, Jordan and the Sinai. The so-called false rose of Jericho, on the other hand, comes from Central and South America. It is the alternately moist moss fern species Selaginella lepidophylla. With the right care, both species can also be cultivated here.
What is the ideal care for the Rose of Jericho?
How do you properly care for the Rose of Jericho? Place the plant in a container with cactus soil, offer it a full sun, warm location with temperatures between 20 and 26 ° C and water only a little. Fertilization is not necessary.
Real Rose of Jericho is only an annual
Anastatica hierochuntica, the real rose of Jericho, is an herbaceous desert plant from the cruciferous family that grows to a maximum height of ten centimeters. It is only an annual, dries up and rolls up its leaves when it dies. This happens because the plant protects its seeds from the hot desert sun even after they die. This is also why the so-called “resurrection effect” can be explained, because after a heavy downpour, the dead plant unrolls its leaves and releases the seeds at a time when germination conditions are best. However, this is just a physical process.
Fake Rose of Jericho can get very old
In contrast to Anastatica hierochuntica, Selaginella lepidophylla does not die, but can - on the contrary - even grow very old. This variable-moisture moss fern species comes from the deserts of Central and South America and has adapted perfectly to the inhospitable living conditions prevailing there. The plant survives months of drought and turns green again in the rainy season. Both Anastatica hierochuntica and Selaginella lepidophylla can be cultivated in a planter with little effort.
Cultivating Rose of Jericho in a pot
To do this, plant the Rose of Jericho in a container with cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon) or a self-mixed substrate made of sand, perlite and lava grit. It is important that the potting soil is as dry and nutrient-poor as possible. As a desert plant, the Rose of Jericho also requires a full sun, very warm and protected location - the plant feels most comfortable at temperatures between 20 and 26 °C. You only need to water a little, but fertilization is not necessary at all. The false rose of Jericho is particularly suitable for keeping as a houseplant.
Tip
You can achieve the resurrection effect by placing the dried plant in a bowl of cold water. It will “bloom” within a few hours. However, do not leave it in water for more than a few days, otherwise it will risk rotting. The Rose of Jericho should then be carefully dried and stored in a dry and warm place.
