{"product_id":"selaginella-lepidophylla-rose-of-jericho-dry-balls","title":"Selaginella lepidophylla (Rose of Jericho) Dry Balls","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eResurrection Plant\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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 \u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e a fascinating plant to grow, demonstrate and give as an unusual gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Resurrection Plant, False Rose of Jericho\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Desert-adapted spikemoss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplied as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry ball\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour when dry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour when hydrated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green to olive-green\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5-10cm when open\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10-20cm when fully unfurled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright, indirect light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indoor growing, curiosities, gifts and educational displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is the Resurrection Plant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its common name, this is \u003cstrong\u003enot the true Rose of Jericho\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is \u003cem\u003eAnastatica hierochuntica\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e is often called False Rose of Jericho or simply Resurrection Plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Revive a Selaginella lepidophylla Dry Ball\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the dry plant in a \u003cstrong\u003eshallow bowl or saucer of room-temperature water\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the base in contact with the water. There is no need to completely submerge it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the bowl somewhere bright but out of strong, direct midday sunlight while the plant is hydrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDon't Leave It Permanently in Water\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the transformation is triggered by water, the Resurrection Plant should \u003cstrong\u003enot be kept continuously submerged\u003c\/strong\u003e. Prolonged wet conditions can encourage mould and deterioration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiving the plant regular dry periods more closely reflects its natural cycle and allows the fascinating transformation to be repeated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill It Turn Completely Green?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause these are natural plants, individual dry balls vary in size, shape and how green they become after hydration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen dry, the plant forms a compact curled ball. Once fully hydrated, it typically reaches around \u003cstrong\u003e5-10cm high with a spread of approximately 10-20cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on the size and maturity of the individual specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Selaginella lepidophylla?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtraordinary resurrection response to water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChanges from a dry ball into an open mass of fronds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan repeatedly curl and unfurl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires no conventional potting to demonstrate its transformation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascinating educational plant for children and adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent novelty gift\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact enough for desks and windowsills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA genuine desert survival specialist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does a Resurrection Plant take to open?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe fronds usually begin moving within a few hours of being placed in water. Considerable opening may occur within the first day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does Selaginella lepidophylla get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen hydrated, it typically reaches around 5-10cm high and approximately 10-20cm across.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I completely submerge the plant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Place the base in a shallow layer of water rather than immersing the entire plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I leave my Resurrection Plant in water permanently?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. It is better to let it dry out after several days. Keeping it constantly wet can encourage mould or deterioration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it curl up again?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Remove the water and allow the plant to dry, and the stems will gradually curl back into a compact ball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Selaginella lepidophylla the true Rose of Jericho?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. It is commonly sold under that name, but the true Rose of Jericho is \u003cem\u003eAnastatica hierochuntica\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e is more accurately called the Resurrection Plant or False Rose of Jericho.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNot for the familiar resurrection display. A dry specimen can simply be placed in shallow water and allowed to unfurl before being dried again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFew plants provide such an immediate demonstration of adaptation to extreme conditions. From an apparently lifeless brown ball to an unfurled rosette of greenish fronds, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelaginella lepidophylla\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating living curiosity that can be enjoyed repeatedly\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Ball","offer_id":62373068407171,"sku":"JA-S4200","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Balls","offer_id":62373068439939,"sku":"JA-S4200x10","price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Balls","offer_id":62373068472707,"sku":"JA-S4200x100","price":319.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/S4200_saginellia_lepidophylla.webp?v=1790257563","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/selaginella-lepidophylla-rose-of-jericho-dry-balls","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}