Rose Jericho: care and cultivation (photo)

The Rose of Jericho, or Anastatika of Jericho, derives its name from Greek words that translate as "resurrected" or "again animated." For the first time this plant was discovered in the Middle Ages by Knights-Crusaders, who drew attention to the amazing ability of the plant to revive. Returning from the military campaign, they consecrated their find and gave it the name "Flower of Resurrection".

Legends of the flower

The biblical version of the appearance of this flower claims that the unusual plant was discovered by Mary, following in Egypt. She blessed him for immortality. Therefore, sometimes it is called "Mary's hand".

The second legend describes in the famous story "Rose of Jericho" Ivan Bunin. It says that the name of the herbaceous plant was given by the Monk Sawa, who settled in the Judean Desert.

Description of the plant

Rosa Jericho (spike moss) is a species of herbaceous annuals of the Cabbage family, a representative of the genus Anastatika ("single").

This is a small plant, no more than fifteen centimeters long. Small leaves of a grayish shade. The flowers of the plant are very small, white. The Rose of Jericho, the photo of which you see in our article, grows in the desert in the early spring, and blossoming and fastening of the fruit begins very quickly. At this time in the desert there is still enough moisture for the plant. Like other herbaceous annuals, growing in drought conditions, the rose of Jericho refers to the ephemeroids.

With the onset of drought, the tiny stems dry up and begin to curl inwards. There is a kind of coil. Strong wind gusts easily tear off the upper part of the plant, and it rolls along the sand. On the way, it collects the same coils and forms a very large rolling-field. They move until they get stuck in some wetter place. From the moisture stems swell and begin to straighten, the seeds of them poured.

It should be noted that the seeds of this amazing plant remain viable for several years, but, getting into a fairly humid environment, sprout literally in a few hours.

It is necessary to know that there is another representative of the flora with similar properties - scaly-leaved selaginella. The Rose of Jericho is a completely different, non-related plant, although the Hawaiian plains is very similar to the features of the life cycle and the appearance of an anastatic.

Spread

The Rose of Jericho is a plant that is better known as a rolling field, "lives" in the deserts of Western Asia, from Syria to Arabia and from Egypt to Morocco. It also occurs in Central Asia.

Kinds

The Rose of Jericho can be of several kinds, so it is important to know their differences before deciding which care a particular plant needs.

The most common species is the rose of Martens. It has erect stems, which can reach a length of thirty centimeters, but gradually they become lodging. Its branches are slightly reminiscent of ferns, but the tips of the leaves have a silvery-white color.

Selaginella scaly-leaved has stems that do not grow more than ten centimeters in length. In the event that the humidity in the room is not enough, they curl up into a tangle, but the plant should be watered, as it immediately springs to life and spreads the leaves.

Cultivation

Rose Jericho needs high humidity (at least 60%), so in the room it feels not very comfortable. If you want to plant this plant not in a florarium, but in an ordinary container, then you should know that at high humidity, good ventilation should be provided. Place the pot in a tray with peat, sphagnum or expanded clay, which you regularly need to moisturize.

It should be noted that the rose of Jericho belongs to the shade-tolerant plants, so you can create a mini-garden, placed in a bottle. It will feel fine even on the north side, and if your windows go to the south, then the plant should be placed away from the window or slightly shaded with gauze or tracing paper.

Another important argument in favor of putting the plant in a bottle is the need to constantly maintain a certain moisture content of the substrate (its drying out is unacceptable). And in an open container constantly moist soil will be harmful to the plant and can even destroy it.

Pour the composition in a container (as well as in a container) followed by a rest and soft water. Her temperature should be at room temperature. The soil for growing roses should be slightly acidic, do not forget to put a good drain on the bottom of the bottle or aquarium.

For a better growth of a green pet, you should occasionally feed it. Usually it is done in spring and summer. Use a diluted nutrient fertilizer (in a ratio of 1: 3). With the help of a long wire, it is necessary to loosen the earth, so that the air is better attached to the soil.

Rose of Jericho: caring

This is a rather whimsical plant, therefore it is necessary to follow certain recommendations.

Temperature conditions

The optimum temperature is +18 degrees. The flower loves warmth, but these indicators should not be exceeded, that is, the room should not be warmer than +20 ^о С.

Lighting

The Rose of Jericho does not tolerate direct sunlight, it is much preferable to a light penumbra.

Watering conditions

As the plant "arrived" to us from the tropics, we must not forget that it needs moist air, as at home. To achieve this, it is necessary several times a day to spray the rose with water. And you can not use cold liquid for this purpose. It should be a little warm. The flower needs abundant watering, it is better to do this through a pallet. In this case, the soil absorbs as much moisture as required.

Feeding and transplantation

Feed the soil every month. Nitrogen fertilizers can be used. Once every two years (in spring) the rose of Jericho requires a transplant to improve growth.

I must say that the plant is resistant to various diseases and pests. Its only enemy is dry air, which can provoke the development of a spider mite. A usual soap solution will help to get rid of it.

Propagate the plant with green cuttings. To do this, in the early spring, plant them in a small greenhouse and put it in the shade. Cuttings will take root in two weeks.

Beneficial features

Rose of Jericho moistens the air in the room, serves as a natural freshener, since it exudes the aroma of steppe grasses. The plant has bactericidal properties, disinfects the air. In addition, it absorbs tobacco smoke. If the flower is put in the bedroom, it will promote a better sleep. In dried form, annual can be used to fight moth in the cabinet.

Rose of Jericho is a very interesting and spectacular plant. With proper care, she will please you with her exotic beauty.