Although it is called "rose", it is actually not at all botanical: we are talking about the rose of Jericho. Various plants are offered under this name, whereby the real rose of Jericho means the desert plant Anastatica hierochuntica, which is widespread in Israel, Jordan and Sinai. The so-called false rose of Jericho, on the other hand, comes from Central and South America. It is the periodically moist moss fern species Selaginella lepidophylla. With the right care, both species can also be cultivated here.

If you put the Rose of Jericho in water, it will open

True Rose of Jericho is only an annual

Anastatica hierochuntica, the true rose of Jericho, is a herbaceous desert plant of the cruciferous family that grows to a maximum height of four inches. Only an annual, it dries up and curls up its leaves when it dies. This happens because the plant protects its seeds from the hot desert sun even after it dies. This also explains the so-called "resurrection effect", 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 only a physical process.

Fake Rose of Jericho can get very old

In contrast to Anastatica hierochuntica, Selaginella lepidophylla does not die off, but can - on the contrary - even become very old. This periodically humid 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.

Growing the Rose of Jericho in a pot

To do this, plant the Rose of Jericho in a container with cactus soil or a self-mixed substrate made of sand, perlite (€37.51) and lava grit. It is important that the potting soil is as dry and low in nutrients as possible. As a desert plant, the Rose of Jericho also needs a full sun, very warm and sheltered location - the plant feels most comfortable at temperatures between 20 and 26 °C. You only have to water a little, but fertilization is not necessary at all. Above all, the false rose of Jericho is suitable for keeping as a houseplant.

tips

You can achieve the resurrection effect by placing the dried plant in a bowl of cold water. Within a few hours it will "bloom". However, do not leave them in the water for more than a few days, otherwise they risk rotting. Then the Rose of Jericho should be carefully dried and stored in a dry and warm place.

Category:

Vegetable garden