Have you ever heard of the Rose of Jericho? It is not just a plant, but a real natural remedy for absorbing bad odors in the home. The Rose of Jericho or Jericho contains an immortal magic of which you can be the custodians. Let’s find out exactly what e is how to take care of it.
First of all, let’s specify that what is now commonly called the Rose of Jericho is actually one false rose of Jericho. Let’s explain better: the Rose of Jericho, botanically known as Anastatic hierochuntica, it is a typical plant of the Middle East that is part of the Brassicaceae family. Similar to it there is the Selaginella lepidophyllaof the Selaginellaceae family cultivated in the USA and Mexico which, however, is larger and has slightly different characteristics. It is the latter that is commonly found on the market, incorrectly defined and for commercial purposes as Rosa di Jerico.
How to grow the false rose of Jericho (Selaginella Lepidophylla)
Since it is easy to buy the false Rose of Jericho on the market, we give you some useful tips for its cultivation. At first glance it is a apparently lifeless bulb. But over time it will open completely revealing its branches and will take on a beautiful green color.
There water temperature will determine the shade of green your Rose of Jericho can take. In a short time you will see your plant bloom again and show leaves and twigs. It will be ready to help you combat bad odors without resorting to air fresheners commonly on sale.
You will have to learn to respect the plant’s cycle. Do not leave the Rose of Jericho in water for more than 2 or 3 consecutive days. Check that the water sprays all the roots well. At this point you can let the Rose of Jericho dry again.
Remove it from the water and you will see it will dry out completely. It will return to a resting state and resume a shape very similar to the one it had when purchased. You can decide to keep it dehydrated for a long time or put it back in water after 15-20 days to see it flower again.
This is because the Rose of Jericho it is native to arid placesi, therefore it is used to surviving even without water. It can live without water even for long periods. Basically it is a plant that dies during the dry season but is then reborn as soon as the rains appear again.
Following the opening and closing cycle the Rose of Jericho will last a very long time. Some think the Rose of Jericho can live forever.
The process The folding and unfolding of the branches of the Rose of Jericho is completely reversible and can happen many times both in the natural habitat of the plant and in our home. When opened, the Rose of Jericho will tend to absorb bad odors present in the environment where it is located.
How to make the Rose of Jericho bloom
To allow the Rose of Jericho to bloom you will have to place it in a small bowl or in a saucer with half a centimeter of water lukewarm. You can also mist it every day if the environment in which it is placed is low humidity. The plant must remain at a temperature of 15° and above, in a bright and ventilated environment.
How to reproduce the rose of Jericho
In its natural environment, the life cycle of the Rose of Jericho ends at the beginning of the dry season, when As the plant dehydrates, it folds its branches into a compact spheroidal mass. This protects the seeds and prevents premature dispersal. Dormant seeds can remain viable for years.
The Rose of Jericho spontaneously separates its branches into two or more bulbsif you want to reproduce then just detach them and reposition them elsewhere thus creating new plants.
Where to find the rose of Jericho
You can find the Rose of Jericho in organic product shops, herbalist’s shops and in shops online, as well as fairs and markets dedicated to the natural world. However, we have informed you that it is the false rose of Jericho, you can easily check by reading the botanical name of the plant (Selaginella lepidophylla).
The meaning of the Rose of Jericho
The Rose of Jericho is also called “resurrection plant”. This is due to its particular characteristic of being closed like a hedgehog when deprived of water and instead opening back to green once quenched. In fact, as soon as its roots get wet, this Rose slowly opens up and returns to its original color.
Given the symbolic power of this plant, which represents “rebirth”, it is well suited to being given as a gift on special occasions such as weddings, graduations, baptisms, etc.
Rose of Jericho and Bible
In the Catholic tradition and in the Bible the Rose of Jericho is spoken of in relation to Jesusparticularly regarding his crucifixion and resurrection. It is said that the plant flowered regularly when Jesus was alive, while at the time of his death the plant mysteriously dried up, but again with the resurrection the plant flowered and thus became the symbol of rebirth. Some Christians continue to use the Rose of Jericho in their religious practices, for example the plant can be placed in a bowl of water during the Christmas period or at Easter, in memory of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus.
However, it is not certain that the one mentioned in the Bible is the original Rose of Jericho, it could in fact also be the common rose.
The Legend of the Rose of Jericho
The Rose of Jericho is believed to be originally from the Holy Land. It was brought to Europe by crusaders and pilgrims, accompanied by numerous legends. The most widespread concerns the Rose of Jericho’s ability to give pilgrims thirst-quenching water to support them along the way.
In Europe it is thought that owning the Rose of Jericho and hosting it in your home is capable of attract happiness within the home. It is also a symbol of long life and beauty as well as serenity and resurrection. Furthermore, in some magical practices, the Rose of Jericho is used to create spells and to improve your prosperity.
Bedouin women drink the water of the Rose of Jericho because they think it has healing properties, such as the ability to relieve pain.
An ally for domestic well-being
In addition to its power to absorb bad odors, the Rose of Jericho has a positive effect on air quality. It helps maintain a fresher and more natural environment, reducing the need for chemical fragrance products. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to combine beauty and practicality at home.
A plant for all generations
Its simplicity of care and its symbolism make it a perfect gift to pass on a unique tradition. Donating a Rose of Jericho means wishing a prosperous life full of rebirth, a message that adapts to every stage of life. Giving this plant as a gift is like giving a piece of history and natural magic.
Other interesting plants to grow in your home or office are:
