Jericho rose (silaginella) - what is this desert flower
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A mysterious and amazing flower called the rose of Jericho was first discovered in the Middle Ages. A special feature is that it can remain alive without water for up to a hundred years. When moisture does not come to it for a long time, it curls up into a ball and hides the fruits inside. Such glomeruli turn into travelers looking for habitats until rain overtakes them. When moisture gets in, the plant revives. After straightening, seeds spill out from the middle of the flower, giving life to new plants.
Jericho rose - what is this flower
The Jericho rose belongs to the Cabbage family. These herbaceous perennials are small in size. They grow in length no more than 15 cm.
The rose has small gray leaves. The flowers are snow-white. In the desert, the flower grows early, blooms rapidly and sets fruit.
As soon as the drought begins, the short stems dry up and bend inward. With strong wind gusts, the upper part of the flower breaks off and moves unhindered along the sand.
Unusual plant - rose of Jericho
In natural conditions, the flower can be found in Central and Western Asia. Typically, the flower grows on dry ground or rocks. In such growing conditions, many plants simply die, and the Jericho rose not only survives, but also manages to grow and develop further.
There are several versions about the history of the origin of this flower. Some argue that the rose was first discovered by Mary, who followed to Egypt. It was from her that the flower received the blessing for immortality and as a result of the events that took place it began to be called “the hand of Mary”. Others argue that the name of the flower was given by the Monk Sava, who lived in the Judean desert.
Symbolism and beliefs associated with a flower
The Rose of Jericho is a long-lived plant, so it is used by some as a symbol of the genus, which is inherited from one representative to another. In many nations, the flower is given as a reminder that after death comes the resurrection of the soul on the day of the Resurrection of the Lord.
There is an opinion that it is this plant that scares away moths when placed inside the cabinet. Among other things, the flower has a disinfectant effect, cleansing the air from harmful microorganisms.
Blooming rose of Jericho
The most popular varieties of roses for growing at home
Before purchasing a plant and deciding on the most optimal care methods, each grower needs to know how the popular varieties of this rose differ from each other.
Salaginella scaly
The plant can survive prolonged droughts. Upon contact with moisture, it will restore its green color. To do this, he needs about 24 hours. There is a version that scaly salaginella could survive for about 100 years without water and subsequently revive after soaking.
The plant at home can be grown in soil with the addition of peat, sand and sphagnum moss.
Asteriscus dwarf
An annual herb. After flowering, an achene is formed, which lasts for 10 months. It opens only when exposed to moisture. This usually happens in the spring.
The varieties of the Jericho rose are considered fake. Despite the fact that they are also able to survive and develop further at zero humidity.
Jericho rose in the desert
How to plant a plant at home
Typically, the Jericho rose is sold dried in specialized stores.
To grow a rose of Jericho indoors, you need to follow these steps:
- Prepare a shallow pan and pour warm, settled water into it.
- Take a dried ball and place it roots down on a tray.
- As soon as the flower opens, and green shoots begin to appear from the core, you need to plant it in a pot filled with soil.
How to care for a rose at home
In order for a rose to feel comfortable, it needs to be provided with optimal conditions for keeping. This is very easy to do, just follow simple rules.
Illumination and temperature conditions
The most optimal temperature for a plant is 20 ° C. In this case, the flower should be placed in a slightly shaded place. Rose, when exposed to direct sunlight, burns and takes on a pale appearance.
Selaginella scaly at home
Watering rules and humidity
Since the plant grows in the wild in the tropics, it should create an environment close to natural. To do this, it is recommended to spray it with water 2-3 times a day.
The plant requires abundant and regular watering. As soon as winter comes, watering stops.
Top dressing
Experienced growers are advised to feed the flower every month. For this, nitrogenous fertilizers are suitable.
Flower container size
You can grow this amazing flower in any containers, as well as in containers. Often, novice florists ask themselves the question, growing a Jericho rose, how to care for it at home. As practice shows, the process does not cause any difficulties, since the flower is completely unpretentious.
How the rose of Jericho multiplies
A plant with garden roses has nothing in common, so it is impossible to propagate it at home. The uniqueness of the flower lies in the fact that upon contact with water it opens up and seed pods are formed on it.
Revival of the rose of Jericho
Growing problems, diseases and pests
Most often, the Egyptian rose becomes infected with fungal diseases. To avoid this kind of problem, you should periodically treat the plant with fungicides. To prevent the flower from rotting, the state of its inflorescences must be monitored especially carefully. Mold formation should not be allowed.
If you take good care of a flower brought from Egypt, it will practically not hurt.
There are situations when spider mites appear on a dry rose. You can cope with the problem with a solution of laundry soap. These pests appear as a result of finding it in a room with dry air.
Asteriscus dwarf
The exquisite and amazing Jericho rose is rightfully considered an amazing plant that can exist for a century without water and then, when moisture arrives, will revive in just one day. Despite its name, the flower has absolutely no external resemblance to the familiar rose. In nature, the plant travels through endless sands, attracting the attention of breeders for many centuries. At the same time, it still remains a mystery how a plant can be lifeless, and then, when interacting with water, revive and bloom so rapidly.
