Know if the Rose of Jericho is dead It is not an easy task. You surely know this very well if you have ever had one at home.
Because it is a very peculiar variety, which when subjected to water stress due to drought appears to be completely dry, and yet, if we put it in water, it revives again.
Curiosities of the rose of Jericho
Selaginella lepidophylla, commonly known as the rose of Jericho, is a plant that does not go unnoticed and has captivated botany lovers with its ability to "resurrect".
This phenomenon is due to the fact that it has adapted to survive in desert habitatsIt has a great capacity to store water in its tissues and the waxy cuticle that covers it reduces water loss through evaporation. This is why it has been widely studied to better understand this perfect adaptation system that allows it to survive in the most adverse conditions.
Precisely because of these characteristics, throughout history it has attracted the attention of human beings, who have attributed it a curious symbolism.
In different cultures it is considered a symbol of resurrection, hope and eternal life. In some cases it is even attributed with magical and protective properties.
Beyond ornamental purposes, it has also been used and continues to be used for medicinal and religious purposes.
Is my rose of Jericho dead?
It is clear that we are dealing with a very particular plant, so much so that we may have doubts about whether it is alive or not.
To check if yours still has a chance of reviving, pay attention to these indicators:
- Rigidity. If you notice that it is completely dry and stiff to the touch, like a branch, it is highly likely that it has died. In fact, if you try to open it, you will find that it breaks easily.
- Colour. Even when dry, the rose of Jericho is light brown to dark green in some parts. On the other hand, if yours is completely black or whitish, this may be a sign that it has lost all moisture and could be dead.
- Reaction to water. The ultimate test to see if this plant is alive or dead is to put it in contact with water. Place it in a container of warm water for a few hours. If it is alive, it should start to open up. If it doesn't, you can give up on it.
Why does the rose of Jericho usually die?
The causes of death of this plant do not differ much from those of other species.
If you have taken good care of your plant and it has simply died, perhaps the reason is that has completed its life cycle. Because, like any other living organism, it has a life cycle that leads it to age and die over time.
It may also happen that you have been exposed to extreme conditions. It is true that it is very resistant, but that does not mean that it can handle absolutely everything.
If it has been exposed for a long time to very high or very low temperatures, excessive humidity or prolonged drought, the tissues may have been damaged, limiting their ability to rehydrate and revive when it comes into contact with water.
Its ball-like appearance when dry can lead us to handle it incorrectly, abruptly. No matter how dry the plant is, it is not dead, and when we pick it up we can bend, break or tear off important parts of it, which endangers its survival.
It is rare, but the rose of Jericho can also be put ill. Fungi and bacteria can appear, weaken it and even lead to death, and there is a greater risk of this happening if the plant is exposed to very humid conditions.
Finally, one of the most common causes of death of this plant is the excessive dehydrationAlthough it can survive a long time without water, it is not necessary to overdo it. If it remains dry for too long, it can irreversibly lose its ability to rehydrate, which will lead to its death.
How can I stop my rose of Jericho from dying?
There is no secret other than giving it the care it needs and always treating it with care:
- Adequate hydration. Immerse it in warm water from time to time for a few hours, but do not soak it for too long. This will help it reactivate all its systems and gain energy.
- Complete drying. After each hydration, let the plant dry well before storing it. Because any remaining moisture can lead to the proliferation of fungi or bacteria, and that is exactly what we do not want.
- Avoid direct sun exposure. As we said before, don't think that your plant can handle everything. If possible, try not to expose it to direct sunlight for long periods of time. A little light is good for it, but too much can end up damaging its tissues.
- Careful handling. It is always important to treat this plant with care, but even more so when it is dehydrated. Because when it is dry it is easier for it to break when you pick it up.
- proper storage. The good thing about the Jericho rose is that you can enjoy its beauty whenever you want, because all you have to do is rehydrate it to make it shine in all its splendor. At times when you prefer not to have it around, make sure to let it dry well and then store it in a cool, dry place. A good option might be inside a cupboard. Just don't forget that it is there or when you want to rehydrate it again it will already be dead.
Because of its particular physical condition, knowing if a Jericho rose is dead can be a bit complicated. However, if you have given it the care it needs and it is not old enough, there is no reason for it to die. Therefore, before giving up on it, try a rehydration cycle. If it does not work the first time, repeat it again and, if this does not work either, then you can confirm its death.