The Resurrection Plant
The Rose of Jericho, the Lazarus of the plant world, held a cherished place in many Renaissance collections of wonders. When dry, it looks like tumbleweed, and rolls across the deserts of Mexico and the Middle East in much the same manner. But it is not dead. Add a small amount of water and the Rose of Jericho comes back to life, blooming bright green. Stick it in a drawer and it “dies” all over again, waiting to be resurrected at some later date, months or even years in the future. The process can be repeated over and over. In some countries, the roses are passed down from generation to generation and brought out to bloom just once a year, at Christmas.
October 26th, 2006 at 11:31 am
Any idea where to get ahold of these?
October 26th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
I have one, bought it from thinkgeek.com. its a little smaller, but its cute. it comes two to a box.
October 26th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/8039/
October 26th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/8039/
Small ones can be purchased at this site for $7.99 USD
October 26th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
I keep one of these in a jar as part of our halloween display. You can get them at most Botanicas.
October 26th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
I NEED a Resurrection Plant after today!
October 27th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Living in Tallahasse, Florida, it reminds me of ‘ressurection fern’ which grows on the limbs of the Live Oak trees around this area. When experiencing a drought, these ‘ornaments’ look dead- brownishly red. After but 3 hours in a rain storm, they expand into a flourishing display of ressurging life. Trully amazing, this life of ours and others to behold…
October 29th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
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November 1st, 2006 at 7:06 am
[...] Old Man Kircher tells us of a plant that just won’t stay dead. [...]
January 1st, 2007 at 5:30 am
How & when do you feed these plants?
Also do you put them in soil of just leave in shallow water?
January 19th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
the resurrection plant does not typically live in soil, because they are always drying up & rolling around– so you can just put it in a shallow dish of water but, dont forget to change the water, or it rots =)
January 19th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
OH. Also, they do not need fertilizing or “feeding” as far as I know, because they are used to harsh conditions and they have evolved to– live in a hot, arid —— environment. ————-
was this helpful? thanks.-
January 20th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Try to water them with very hot water as soon as it fades. Its becomes greener and greener.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:23 am
[...] When dry, it looks like tumbleweed, and rolls across the deserts of Mexico and the Middle East in much the same manner. But it is not dead. Add a small amount of water and the “Rose of Jericho” comes back to life, blooming bright green. In some countries, the roses are passed down from generation to generation.read more | digg story April 13th, 2007 | Category: General Sciences | [...]
June 6th, 2007 at 11:57 am
This plant is displayed at Christmas time in Bavaria, as a centerpiece on tables.
It has a distinctive smell, like fresh hay.Looks great with candles !!
I wonder how it reproduces; I have seen tiny plants. I also have seen orange colored spores that drop off the underside of the ferny fronds. I wonder how this can be propagated?
Renew the water daily or you will have a moldy plant that is rotting.
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:39 am
[...] read more | digg story [...]
November 10th, 2007 at 11:30 am
[...] read more | digg story [...]
December 29th, 2007 at 9:57 am
How long does it take to unfold???
December 31st, 2007 at 12:42 pm
It will infold within a few hours, if the plant has not been in water for a long time it will take longer. After it is green take a look on the underside, you will find truly dead (brown) fronds. Brake these off, they will never turn green again. But be sure you wait at least 24 hours before you remove brown fronds. Warm water speeds up the greening and opening process.
January 8th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Has anyone tried to multiply the plant? Do you have any tips? I would like to make a farm of Rose of Jerichos.
January 21st, 2008 at 6:45 pm
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