Rose of Jericho, Selaginella lepidophylla

What is a Rose of Jericho?

A Rose of Jericho (also know as Selaginella lepidophylla or a Resurrection plant) is a desert or arid bush native to Mexico. The plant is known for its ability to survive up to 7 years without water by going into a dormant state which it can then be resurrected from with just a little water. However, when keeping the plant you will enjoy its unique, curled leaf structure that gives it a striking, almost alien, appearance. The Rose of Jericho is very easy to care for and manage, especially in arid enclosures.

How do you keep a Rose of Jericho alive?

Keeping a Rose of Jericho alive is fairly easy as the plant has adapted to survive harsh, desert conditions. The two biggest elements to look out for are water and cold. Too much water can cause the plant to develop root and leaf rot which can be catastrophic and as the plant is adapted to deal with high temperatures it is unlikely to survive in the cold. The Rose of Jericho doesn’t need soil and can be placed anywhere with a bit of water and direct sunlight.

What is a Rose of Jericho good for?

As the Rose of Jericho doesn’t need soil, it is often placed on gravel or other substrates and watered occasionally. This unique feature makes the Rose of Jericho suited to arid and desert terrariums in particular and a great choice for a Bearded dragon enclosure.