How to Plant and Grow a Rose of Jericho Plant

The rose of Jericho aptly is nicknamed the resurrection plant. When dormant, this desert native looks like a dried-out tumbleweed, and can survive for years without a single drop of water. However, as soon as the plant is exposed to a bit of moisture, its dry, brown stems unfurl into lush, fern-like fronds and shift to a brilliant shade of emerald green.

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense plant or just want to add a unique houseplant to your collection, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to care for a rose of Jericho plant.

Where to Plant Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is primarily grown as a houseplant, although it can be kept outdoors in dappled light during summer. However, these plants aren’t cold-hardy and should be brought inside before temperatures drop below 65°F.

Indoor plants grow well on sunny windowsills but can be kept under a grow light if your home doesn’t receive much sun. While rose of Jericho plants can grow in a pot filled with moist soil, it’s easier and more popular to grow them in low containers filled with gravel or pebbles and water. Terra-cotta saucers or upcycled bowls are popular planter options, but you can also display your rose of Jericho plant in a low ikebana vase for a minimal and elegant look. Avoid using deep dishes to hold these plants, as proper airflow is essential for reducing mildew growth.

How and When to Plant Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho plants are typically sold in their dry form. Rehydrating these plants for the first time is always an exciting experience. You can “wake up” your rose of Jericho at any time of the year by misting it thoroughly or placing the plant on top of a low saucer filled with pebbles and water. Once exposed to water, plants should unfurl their fronds within three or four hours and turn progressively more green over several days.

Although resurrection plants require minimal maintenance, they can develop mold if they aren’t allowed to dry out occasionally. To avoid this, remove the plant from its moist environment one day every week and allow the plant to completely dry out once every month.

Rose of Jericho Care Tips

Light

Rose of Jericho loves sunlight, but too much bright sun can cause leaf scorch. A window that receives bright, indirect light is the best choice for this plant.

Soil and Water

Although most growers keep rose of Jericho in a low container filled with pebbles and water, you can also put these plants in pots with soil. When grown in soil, rose of Jericho needs to be watered often to keep the soil consistently moist.

Water cultivation is the preferred method of growing rose of Jericho plants because it gives growers more flexibility and makes drying out the plants easier. However, if you want to keep the plants in water, clean out the growing container and refresh the plant’s water every day or two to prevent mold and mushy leaves.

Temperature and Humidity

Rose of Jericho plants aren’t fussy about temperature and humidity. These plants do well at average room temperatures, and plants grown in water-filled containers naturally receive all the humidity they need. Just make sure to shelter these plants from extreme heat and drafty windows.

Fertilizer

Many growers never fertilize rose of Jericho, but if your plant looks like it could use a pick-me-up, you can fertilize it twice a year (in spring and mid-summer) with a liquid, organic fertilizer diluted to 1/10 strength.

Pruning

Pruning is rarely needed with rose of Jericho, but if your plant develops mushy, damaged, or broken stems, you can cut them away with scissors. The best time to tidy up rose of Jericho is immediately after you “wake up” the plant with water.

Pests and Problems

Rose of Jericho plants are usually very hardy, but they can develop a few problems. Acting quickly at the first signs of pests and diseases will help your plant recover.  

Even though rose of Jericho plants appreciate water, they need to dry out occasionally. Plants kept in water for too long can develop mushy, smelly, or rotted stems and mildew. To avoid this, remove the plant from water one day per week and keep the plant in an area with good airflow.

Aphids are common plant pests that sometimes target rose of Jericho plants. Rinsing the plant with a strong blast of water from your kitchen sink should dislodge these sap-sucking insects and help the plant bounce back.

Rose of Jericho plants are generally long-lived, and they usually unfurl quickly when exposed to water. However, if you thoroughly soak your plant and it remains in a tight, brown ball, it may be time to find a new resurrection plant.

How to Propagate Rose of Jericho

Like ferns, rose of Jericho plants reproduce via spores and don’t flower or yield seeds. However, if you want to propagate these plants, dividing them is the easiest way to go.

Start with a rehydrated rose of Jericho plant and cut off a full leaf frond with a sterilized pair of scissors. Lay the frond on a tray or bowl filled with pebbles and water and care for it as you would care for a standard rose of Jericho plant. Soon, you should notice new growth on the cutting, which will fill in over time.