Selaginella lepidophylla (Rose of Jericho)

This extraordinary little moss makes a curious and practically bomb-proof houseplant that has the incredible ability to rise again from the dead!

Selaginella lepidophylla comes from the Chihuahuan Desert of Northern Mexico where its miraculous ability to survive almost complete desiccation, sometimes even for several years, has led to it being gifted as a good luck charm amongst indigenous peoples. Aptly known as the ‘Resurrection Plant’, it curls slowly inwards in response to drying out until it resembles an uninspiring, crispy brown ball that looks totally dead. When revived with water, it magically spirals back out again, turns green and comes alive!

This curiosity is used in voodoo rites to conjure love and good fortune and makes a fun gift that is perfectly suited to people not so great with plants!

Simply place in a bowl of rainwater with pebbles and within 24 hours your ‘Rose of Jericho’ will come alive. Plants are capable of repeated rehydration and desiccation although don’t overdo it as they may become exhausted and fail to recover!

Height: 5cm (2in). Spread: 10cm (4in). 

Supplied as a dried ball, simply add water.