For a houseplant that is unusual yet easy to grow, try the resurrection plant, also called rose of Jericho, It can survive several years without water by drying up and curling its fronds inwards into a ball shape. If provided water, it will fully unfurl and be "resurrected" into a green, fern-like plant within a couple of hours. This is a survival mechanism that the plant developed in the harsh conditions of its native habitat in the Chihuahuan Desert where the dormant plants travel the desert as tumbleweeds until they find water.
Although resurrection plants are native to very harsh desert conditions, they adapt well to indoor conditions and are most often grown as a houseplant. They are very long-lived if cared for properly. Some have been passed down through generations.
| Common Name | Resurrection plant, Rose of Jericho, false Rose of Jericho, stone flower, dinosaur plant |
| Botanical Name | Selaginella lepidophylla |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 6-12 in. tall, 3-6 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full, partial |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Hardiness Zones | 8-10 (USDA) |
| Native Area | North America |
Resurrection Plant Care
The resurrection plant makes an easy, nearly fail-proof houseplant. Here are the main care requirements:
- Place it in a location with bright, indirect light and avoid exposing it to scorching sun.
- Put it in a bowl with pebbles.
- Rehydrate the plant by filling the bowl with pebbles and non-chlorinated water.
- Keep it a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees F.
- Fertilize twice a year with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to 1/10
strength. - Remove any dead fronds.
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Light
Resurrection plants thrive in plenty of light. Therefore, choose a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as a window with a southern or western exposure. Avoid locations with the scorching sun; it may be too much for a resurrection plant that has adapted to living indoors.
Soil
Soil is not a necessity for resurrection plants, they will grow happily in a bowl of pebbles just barely covered with water as long as they are given some rest periods. Alternatively, after resurrection plants are rehydrated in water, transfer them to a pot with well-draining potting mix if you like.
Water
To rehydrate resurrection plants and keep them green, place the plant in a container filled with pebbles and water. The water should reach just above the pebbles so that the plants rest securely on top without submerging in the water too much. Resurrection plants are sensitive to water quality, so it's best to use distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that's been left out overnight. Once placed in the water, it takes about three to four hours for a dried-out resurrection plant to begin unfurling. It will completely revive within a few days.
If keeping the plant in water, note that resurrection plants cannot survive in constant water and will rot if left in water for too long. Therefore, dedicate at least one day a week as a water-free rest day. Then, every couple of weeks, resurrection plants should be allowed to dry out completely.
Temperature and Humidity
Although resurrection plants are desert plants, they are sensitive to extreme temperature variations and should not be exposed to too hot or too cold temperatures. If you plant them outside, they do not survive extreme fluctuations in temperature. Do not keep them outside if the temperatures go lower than 65 F or higher than 85 F.
Generally, resurrection plants are happy in average room temperatures. However, avoid placing resurrection plants in locations next to drafty vents or windows.
As these plants are most often grown perched on a bowl of water and pebbles, humidity isn't usually a problem. However, if your plant starts to go dormant, increase humidity levels by misting it with distilled water occasionally.
Fertilizer
Resurrection plants require very little fertilizing. Feed twice a year with a diluted water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to 1/10 of the strength recommended for regular houseplants, and feed your resurrection plant once in early spring and once in midsummer.
Pruning
Resurrection plants do not needregular pruning, but to keep them neat, trim any dead fronds that do not rehydrate with a pair of garden shears or snips.
Propagating Resurrection Plants
It is best to propagate this plant by division. Resurrection plants are sporophytes. Similar to ferns, they do not reproduce by flowering and producing seeds. Instead, they reproduce asexually with spores. Divide by takingcuttingsfrom the plant in spring or late fall.
- Cut a section of plant large enough to include the full length of its fronds.
- Placethe cuttingon top of gravel or loose soil and apply water to initiate growth. You'll typically see the plant begin to grow within just a few days.
- Treat the new plant the same as its parent by placing it on a tray or bowl of water and gravel, or by putting it into well-drained potting mix.
Overwintering
This plant cannot tolerate extreme cold or heat. If you keep your resurrection plant outdoors in the summer, bring it inside when temperatures drop below 65 degrees to overwinter in its dormant state. Place it in a cardboard box and store it in a cool, dry place where it won't get crushed. It will dry out and wait for you to revive it again in the spring.
Resurrection plants permanently grown indoors don't require any special winter care.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Despite its reputation as a hard-to-kill houseplant, the resurrection plant is not immune to pests and diseases. It often attracts aphids which damage the leaves and leave sticky honeydew behind. It is also susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot disease.
Common Problems With Resurrection Plant
For the most part, the resurrection plant is very easy to grow and has few problems. However, as with any houseplant, there are a few things to watch out for.
Leaves Turning Black
If you notice your plant has blackened leaves, feels mushy, or has a sour smell, the likely problem is rot due to too much water. It may be possible to save the plant by trimming away the affected fronds and reducing the amount of water in the plant's bowl or tray. There should be just enough water to barely cover the pebbles. You should also give the plant at least one day per week away from any water.
Leaves Turning Brown
It's the nature of the resurrection plant to turn brown and curl up when it goes dormant due to lack of moisture. If your plant is looking curled, brown, and dry, and you don't plan on storing it, restore it by adding fresh water to its bowl, or by misting it regularly with distilled or purified water.
FAQ
How long can a resurrection plant live without water?
This amazing plant is able to survive in its dormant state for years. However, home gardeners prefer to keep it exposed to moisture most of the time to enjoy its fern-like appearance.
How long does it take resurrection plant to open up?
Most often, you'll purchase a resurrection plant in its dormant state. When exposed to moisture, you'll see the plant begin to unfurl its fronds within just a few hours. It may take a day or so for the plant to fully uncurl and become green, however.
Why isn't my resurrection plant turning green?
Most often, if your resurrection plant remains brown, the humidity is too low. Increase the humidity by misting the plant with distilled or purified water, or check that the bowl or tray the plant sits in has enough water to just cover the pebbles. If your plant remains completely dry and brown despite having enough water, it may simply be dead.
What is the difference between rose of Jericho and false rose of Jericho?
There are two different plant species with the common name of Rose of Jericho: Selaginella lepidophylla, which is native to Mexico and parts of the United States, and Anastatica hierochuntica, which is native to the arid regions of the Middle East and the Sahara Desert. Both dry out and appear dead without water but revive once exposed to moisture. To distinguish the two species, Selaginella lepidophylla is sometimes called false Rose of Jericho, and Anastatica hierochuntica is called the true Rose of Jericho.
Is resurrection plant the same as resurrection fern?
The resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) and resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) are different species. While they both go dormant and "resurrect" with exposure to water, resurrection fern is native to the South of the United States where it typically creeps up trees.
