Is it possible to grow a Jericho rose at home

History and description of the Jericho rose

Botanically, an annual culture from the Cabbage family is known as anastatica of Jericho. From ancient Greek, anastatica means "resurrected again." The plant was first mentioned in the Middle Ages, when during one of the Crusades in the Egyptian desert, the knights discovered this amazing flower.

The Jericho rose is often confused with selaginella or asteriscus. To understand the main differences, here is a brief description of the anastatic:

• the size of the plant does not exceed 15 cm;
• the leaves are small, gray-green;
• inflorescences are tiny, snow-white;
• fruits are pod-shaped, twisted.

Distribution area

The natural habitat of the rose of Jericho is the hot deserts in northern Africa and western Asia. Anastatica grows in Iran, Israel, Morocco. The flower is most popular in Egypt. Here it is sold to tourists as an unusual curiosity that comes alive literally before our eyes upon contact with moisture.

The life cycle of a culture

The first shoots appear with the onset of spring, when the dry period has not yet begun. The plant is actively gaining growth, throwing out flowers, and later bears fruit. With the onset of drought, the leaves curl up, forming a dry small ball. Taking off from the soil, he, driven by the wind, begins his journey through the desert. Having found a source of moisture, the anastatica revives again and sheds seeds that can lie in the sand for several years.

The benefits and uses of the plant

A nondescript-looking Jericho rose can benefit its owner. So, the following qualities are inherent in it:

• protection against moths and other harmful insects;
• absorption of unpleasant odors;
• air purification;
• room decoration;
• improved sleep.

Video "Acquaintance with the Jericho rose"

This video shows the process of "revitalizing" a plant.

Varieties of Jericho rose

Anastatica is the only plant of its kind that has no other varieties. However, some dishonest sellers may sell selaginella or asteriscus instead of the original plant. Although they have the same property of "resurrect" upon contact with water, these cultures still belong to different families.

Advantages and disadvantages of the plant

If we analyze all the positive and negative qualities of an unusual desert flower, then there are practically no shortcomings in its content.

Secrets of growing at home

The Jericho Rose won't give you much of a hassle to grow. It can be used as a temporary decoration of an apartment by placing it in an aquarium with water, or it can be planted like a regular houseplant. To make the culture comfortable and not get sick, you need to follow a few simple rules.

Temperature regime

Some people think that if a flower grows in an arid desert, it does not care about high temperatures. However, this is not the case at home. Anastatica lives best at an average temperature of +18 ° C, but not higher than +20 ° C.

Air humidity and lighting

The same goes for daylight hours. The plant will feel more comfortable in moderate light, and therefore it is better to place the flowerpot on the western or eastern window sills of the house.

The Egyptian rose loves high humidity. To provide her with stable conditions, the pot is placed on a pallet, where a layer of expanded clay or sphagnum is laid out and water is regularly poured into them.

Watering conditions

If a rose grows in a substrate, constant watering is required for it. The soil should be moist all the time and not dry out. In this case, the procedure is best carried out through the pallet. It is also necessary to regularly moisten the flower from above with a spray bottle.

Top dressing and transplanting

Anastatica growing in a flowerpot should be fed from time to time with mineral complexes.

To accelerate growth, the culture must be transplanted every two years. This should be done in early spring. When the plant has babies, they can be separated from the mother bush and planted separately. For planting young shoots, a substrate of small pebbles and sand is well suited.

Reproduction of the Jericho rose

To obtain seed, you need to select a few brown leaves, which are then placed between two landscape leaves. After a couple of days, they will dry completely, and dark yellow spores will remain on the paper. They must be sown in sand and covered with glass on top. After 2-3 weeks, the first green shoots will appear on the surface.

Plant protection from diseases and pests

If the anastatic is properly cared for, it practically does not get sick. However, sometimes the flower can be affected by fungal infections. The first sign of the disease is mold on the green part of the plant. Upon seeing alarming symptoms, the affected areas should be sprayed with a weak concentration of fungicide.

Spider mites may also appear on a dry rose. They are removed by processing with a solution of laundry soap.

Preparing for winter

At the end of the next life cycle, the anastatica needs a rest period. To prepare the flower for sleep, first stop watering. With a decrease in humidity, it will again take the shape of a ball, which will need to be stored in a dark place until spring. Most often it is placed on a shelf to prevent moths.

Plant growers reviews

An unusual desert flower growing in endless dunes has taken root perfectly on the windowsills of our compatriots. In addition to decorating an apartment, it is also useful in everyday life and can serve as an original gift, for example, for a birthday.