Rose of Jericho Care (Selaginella lepidophylla)

This desert spike moss prefers bright, indirect light that mimics high, open shade in arid habitats.

• Provide 4–6 hours of bright, filtered light daily, such as light behind a sheer curtain or under dappled shade outdoors.
• Allow soft morning sun but avoid strong midday and afternoon sun, which can bleach fronds and cause crisp, brown tips on Rose of Jericho.
• In winter or overcast seasons, move closer to a bright window or brighter outdoor spot, but still shield from direct, scorching rays.

This resurrection plant has unusual watering needs because it tolerates complete drying yet grows best with consistent moisture in the active phase.

• For active green growth, rewater when the top 2–3 cm of its medium feel barely dry, aiming for evenly moist but never soggy conditions.
• Use a free-draining, sandy or gritty mix; standing water or compact soil leads to rot, limp stems, and a musty smell indicating overwatering.
• Crisp, tightly curled fronds signal dryness; submerge or soak for 3–4 hours, then drain thoroughly, and let it rest dry for several days between hydration cycles.

This species prefers warm to hot conditions but survives a broad temperature range when dry and dormant.

• Aim for 70–85°F (21–29°C) during active growth; short exposures up to 95°F (35°C) are tolerated if there is shade and good airflow.
• Avoid frost; growth stops below about 50°F (10°C), and repeated drops near 32°F (0°C) can damage tissues despite its drought dormancy.
• In cool seasons, keep in a stable, draft-free spot, and in hot summers protect from heat radiating surfaces like stone or metal that can exceed 100°F (38°C).

This species needs consistently high humidity to stay green and hydrated.

• Aim for 60–80% humidity; dry central heating air quickly dehydrates the plant.
• In very dry air the fronds curl tightly, turn brownish, and growth pauses until moisture returns.
• Place the Rose of Jericho on a pebble tray with water, group it with other plants, or use a small humidifier nearby.

Selaginella lepidophylla is usually grown on shallow media, but benefits from a loose, moist, well-drained base when not kept bare in water.

• Use a fine, airy mix such as 2 parts peat or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part fine bark or leaf mold.
• Ensure the mix holds moisture but drains freely so roots and stems never sit in stagnant, waterlogged pockets.
• Keep pH slightly acidic to neutral, roughly 5.5–7.0, avoiding strongly alkaline mixes with high lime content.
• Avoid dense clay, heavy garden soil, or pure sand, which either suffocate the rhizomes or dry out unevenly.

This species is well-suited to shallow containers and decorative bowls.

• Choose a wide, shallow container so the plant can spread while surface moisture remains easy to control.
• If using a container without drainage, keep only a thin water layer and let the plant dry slightly between soakings to prevent rot.
• Opaque or ceramic containers slow evaporation, helping maintain the consistently damp environment this desert resurrection plant prefers.

This desert resurrection plant needs only minimal feeding in containers, and unmanaged clumps in nature or wild-style displays usually grow well without extra fertilizer.

• If desired, apply a very dilute balanced liquid fertilizer (around 1/4 strength, such as 10-10-10) once in mid-spring for Rose of Jericho kept actively hydrated.
• Feed only during active growth when the plant is open and green, never when it is dry and dormant.
• Avoid slow-release pellets and rich compost that can encourage rot in this shallow root system.

Pruning Selaginella lepidophylla is mainly hygienic, aimed at removing dead material and preserving a tidy rosette.

• Best time is after a full hydration cycle, when fronds are open and you can clearly see dead or decayed tips.
• Use small, sharp scissors or fine snips to remove brown, moldy, or damaged sections close to the base.
• Trim lightly around the edges to refine shape, avoiding heavy cuts that remove large portions of living tissue.

Container-grown resurrection plants are rarely repotted; they are usually repositioned on a shallow dish or substrate rather than moved for root space.

• Repot or reset only if the mounting medium breaks down, drainage becomes poor, or the plant no longer sits stably.
• Any season is acceptable, but many growers choose spring to coincide with increased light and more frequent hydration cycles.
• Lift the dry Selaginella lepidophylla gently, shake off loose debris, and place on fresh gravel, sand, or a very free-draining mix.
• Keep roots just moist after repositioning, avoiding waterlogging to minimize stress and prevent rot.

Propagation of Selaginella lepidophylla at home is uncommon and slow, so most owners maintain a single clump rather than multiplying it.

• Division is the most practical method; separate small natural segments from the main ball when the plant is dry.
• Rehydrate the divisions on a shallow tray with pebbles and a thin layer of water, keeping the base just moist, not submerged.
• Provide bright, indirect light and stable warmth (around 68–80°F) while new roots establish over several weeks.

This resurrection plant tolerates complete dry dormancy and generally needs no special winter protection indoors.

• In cold regions, keep any outdoor display above freezing by bringing it into a frost-free area before temperatures drop near 32°F.
• Maintain it mostly dry in winter; brief hydration cycles are optional but should allow full drying between soakings.
• Avoid placing near heating vents or very cold windows, which can cause rapid temperature swings and stress.