Selaginella lepidophylla, commonly known as the Resurrection Plant and often sold as the Rose of Jericho, is one of the plant world's great curiosities. In its dry state it forms a tightly curled, brown ball that can appear completely lifeless. Place it in a shallow dish of water and the fronds gradually unfurl, becoming greener and transforming dramatically in appearance.

When the water is removed and the plant is allowed to dry, the fronds slowly curl back inwards again. This extraordinary response to moisture is an adaptation to the extremely dry conditions of its native desert habitat and makes Selaginella lepidophylla a fascinating plant to grow, demonstrate and give as an unusual gift.

• Botanical name: Selaginella lepidophylla
• Common names: Resurrection Plant, False Rose of Jericho
• Plant type: Desert-adapted spikemoss
• Supplied as: Dry ball
• Colour when dry: Brown
• Colour when hydrated: Green to olive-green
• Height: Approximately 5-10cm when open
• Spread: Approximately 10-20cm when fully unfurled
• Position: Bright, indirect light
• Ideal for: Indoor growing, curiosities, gifts and educational displays

What Is the Resurrection Plant?

Selaginella lepidophylla originates from desert regions of North America and is adapted to surviving extreme periods of drought. When moisture disappears, the plant loses water and curls its fronds tightly inwards, forming the characteristic dry ball.

When water becomes available again, the stems absorb moisture and gradually uncurl. This process can take several hours, with the biggest change often visible during the first part of the day.

Despite its common name, this is not the true Rose of Jericho, which is Anastatica hierochuntica. Selaginella lepidophylla is often called False Rose of Jericho or simply Resurrection Plant.

How to Revive a Selaginella lepidophylla Dry Ball

Place the dry plant in a shallow bowl or saucer of room-temperature water, with the base in contact with the water. There is no need to completely submerge it.

The curled stems will gradually begin to expand and flatten. Depending on the condition of the specimen and the surrounding temperature, noticeable movement may begin within a few hours.

Place the bowl somewhere bright but out of strong, direct midday sunlight while the plant is hydrated.

Don't Leave It Permanently in Water

Although the transformation is triggered by water, the Resurrection Plant should not be kept continuously submerged. Prolonged wet conditions can encourage mould and deterioration.

After enjoying the plant in its open state for a few days, remove the water and allow it to dry naturally. The fronds will gradually curl back into their familiar ball shape.

Giving the plant regular dry periods more closely reflects its natural cycle and allows the fascinating transformation to be repeated.

Will It Turn Completely Green?

A viable specimen usually develops greener colouring as it rehydrates, although the exact shade varies and some older fronds may remain brown or olive. The most dramatic feature is the rapid expansion from a tightly curled ball into an open rosette of fronds.

Because these are natural plants, individual dry balls vary in size, shape and how green they become after hydration.

Height and Spread

When dry, the plant forms a compact curled ball. Once fully hydrated, it typically reaches around 5-10cm high with a spread of approximately 10-20cm, depending on the size and maturity of the individual specimen.

Why Grow Selaginella lepidophylla?

• Extraordinary resurrection response to water
• Changes from a dry ball into an open mass of fronds
• Can repeatedly curl and unfurl
• Requires no conventional potting to demonstrate its transformation
• Fascinating educational plant for children and adults
• Excellent novelty gift
• Compact enough for desks and windowsills
• A genuine desert survival specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Resurrection Plant take to open?
The fronds usually begin moving within a few hours of being placed in water. Considerable opening may occur within the first day.

How big does Selaginella lepidophylla get?
When hydrated, it typically reaches around 5-10cm high and approximately 10-20cm across.

Should I completely submerge the plant?
No. Place the base in a shallow layer of water rather than immersing the entire plant.

Can I leave my Resurrection Plant in water permanently?
No. It is better to let it dry out after several days. Keeping it constantly wet can encourage mould or deterioration.

Will it curl up again?
Yes. Remove the water and allow the plant to dry, and the stems will gradually curl back into a compact ball.

Is Selaginella lepidophylla the true Rose of Jericho?
No. It is commonly sold under that name, but the true Rose of Jericho is Anastatica hierochuntica. Selaginella lepidophylla is more accurately called the Resurrection Plant or False Rose of Jericho.

Does it need soil?
Not for the familiar resurrection display. A dry specimen can simply be placed in shallow water and allowed to unfurl before being dried again.

Few plants provide such an immediate demonstration of adaptation to extreme conditions. From an apparently lifeless brown ball to an unfurled rosette of greenish fronds, Selaginella lepidophylla is a fascinating living curiosity that can be enjoyed repeatedly.