Modern Natura Rose of Jericho Decorative Plant

Poikilohydry refers to the ability of certain plants to survive almost complete dehydration and turn green again when water is supplied. Selaginella lepidophylla is one of the best-known poikilohydric vascular plants worldwide. During dehydration, the plant replaces cellular water with the sugar trehalose, which stabilizes sensitive cell membranes and proteins like protective glass. The cells shrink in a controlled manner without irreversible damage to internal structures. As soon as water returns, the trehalose dissolves, the cells swell again, and metabolism resumes within a few hours. This mechanism makes the plant a fascinating subject of drought resistance research.

The opening of the Rose of Jericho is a hygroscopic-mechanical process, not active growth. The branches consist of cell layers with different water absorption capacities. When the inner side of the branches absorbs water, it swells more than the outer side, causing the branches to bend outward and the rosette to unfold. Lignin-reinforced cell walls act as hinge zones and enable controlled curvature. This process is purely physical-mechanical, comparable to a bimetallic strip that bends with temperature changes. That's exactly why the plant can repeat this cycle of opening and closing virtually indefinitely.

Normal tap water is generally suitable, but very hard water will leave whitish deposits on the branches over time. Soft water or filtered tap water provides the cleanest results and preserves the natural green coloring. Rainwater is also excellent, as it is low in minerals and free of chlorine additives. Distilled water is unnecessary, as the plant does not absorb nutrients through the roots. The water temperature directly influences the opening speed. Room-temperature water leads to an even, gentle unfolding that best preserves the cell structures.

In its dry dormant state, Selaginella lepidophylla can survive for several decades to over a hundred years according to current knowledge. Since practically no metabolism takes place in the dried-out state, the plant hardly ages during this phase. Herbarium specimens that were watered after over fifty years of storage still showed the typical opening process. The actual lifespan depends primarily on storage conditions, as heat, direct sunlight, and high humidity during the dry phase accelerate cell degradation. Stored dry, dark, and at room temperature, the plant will accompany you for a lifetime.

You can recognize a high-quality specimen in its dry state by a symmetrical, tightly closed spherical shape with evenly rolled-in branches. The natural color when dry is a warm brown to dark brown. Black or greasy-looking spots indicate mold infestation and are a reason for exclusion. The smell should be of a neutral earthy nature; a musty smell suggests improper dry storage. Larger specimens with a diameter of about eight centimeters or more unfold into a particularly impressive rosette when opening and are therefore best suited for decorative purposes.

Yes, mold growth is the most common problem with improper handling and occurs exclusively due to prolonged moisture without a sufficient drying break. First signs are a musty smell, whitish threads between the branches, or dark, soft spots at the base. As soon as you notice such changes, take the plant out of the water immediately and let it dry through completely. To prevent mold, change the water every two days and always use a clean vessel. A consistent drying phase between waterings is the most reliable protection against fungal infestation.