Having the Rose of Jericho in fish tank It is quite common. However, don't think that its care is as simple as filling a container with water and putting the plant in it.
We are not talking about a species that requires very precise care, but it is important that you know how to treat it. Don't be "scared" by its appearance, because caring for it can be easier than caring for other, much more common indoor plants.
A very exotic variety
The rose of Jericho always appears in the lists of rarest plants in the world, but the truth is that it is quite common as an indoor plant.
Anastatica hierochuntica, rose of Jericho, resurrection plant or doradilla is one of the species best adapted to extreme drought conditions, which makes it a good choice for those who do not have much experience with plants or They don't have much free time to devote to gardening.
It is native to the deserts of Palestine, Arabia and Egypt and has a peculiarity that makes it especially striking: when it is exposed to extreme drought conditions, it shrinks and forms a ball that gives the sensation of being dry and dead. However, when it finds water, It regains its normal shape and displays all its colour and vitality.
There is another variety of rose of Jericho, the Selaginella lepidophylla, native to the deserts of North America, which also goes dormant and turns into a ball when there is a lack of humidity, reviving later when it comes into contact with water.
It is this variety, Selaginella lepidophylla, that is usually used to grow it in fish tanks.
Why keep the rose of Jericho in a fish tank and how to preserve it?
One of the great attractions of this plant is that it does not need a substrate to grow. If you place it in a fish tank or a container with water, contact with Humidity makes it revive and reveal all its beauty.
To grow a rose of Jericho in a fish tank you must take into account the following considerations:
Choose the right fish tank
The size of the container depends on the size of the rose. Ideally, choose a glass fish tank with a wide mouth, because this makes it easier to handle the plant and better air circulation is also achieved.
It does not need to be a very deep container, since you only need to add a small amount of water to the base.
If you want to improve the aesthetics, you can decorate the bottom of the container with sand or some stones. This, in addition, provides stability to the plant.
prepare the water
Rose of Jericho can survive in clean, room-temperature tap water. But you will get better long-term results if you use water that is chlorine-free.
A simple trick is to fill a container with tap water, Let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate. and then add that water to the fish tank.
It is important that the water only covers the base of the plant, because the Rose of Jericho does not need to be completely submerged. In fact, if you submerge it more than necessary, it will most likely rot.
Placing the plant in the fish tank
Once the tank is ready, place the bottom of the plant touching the water. As soon as the roots absorb the moisture, the “resurrection” process will begin. Within a few hours you will see that it has begun to open and unfold its green leaves.
Follow a cycle of humidity and rest
This plant can be kept in water for long periods, but it must also be given breaks so that it does not rot.
As a recommendation, remove the plant from the fish tank after one or two weeks in water and allow it to dry completely for a week. This mimics their natural life cycle quite well. in its desert habitat and helps it live longer.
You can also let it dry completely and form into a ball. This cycle of dehydration and rehydration helps keep it healthy.
Clean the water
Remember to clean the water in the fish tank every few days to avoid bad smells and mold growth. Poor water maintenance can affect the health of the plant and rot its roots,So don't forget to change it every two or three days.
control lighting
This plant can survive in almost any situation. It doesn't matter if it receives bright indirect light, direct light or partial shade, but it does best in moderate light conditions.
If you can, place the tank in a location where it receives several hours of indirect natural light each day. Keep in mind that prolonged direct sunlight may cause the tank to lose its life. This will speed up the dehydration process of the plant, so it won't be as pretty as it should be.
Do not fertilize
When it comes to caring for a rose of Jericho in a fish tank, we can completely forget about fertilizer, as this plant obtains all the nutrients it needs directly from the water, you don't need anything else.
Temperature and humidity
Although it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, it thrives best in warm, dry environments similar to those it enjoys in its natural desert habitat. A room temperature of between 18º and 30º C is ideal for it.
Try not to place it in a place where it is exposed to cold air currents, and nor in very humid places such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Can you plant the Rose of Jericho in a pot?
Yes, if you prefer to keep it in a pot, you can do so without any problem. But you will have to apply a series of basic care regarding watering:
- In warmer months water two to three times a week.
- In humid seasons or climates you can place a plate under the pot and leave it filled with water, so that the plant absorbs the moisture.
- In very dry or hot climates, spray the leaves once or twice a day, in addition to watering frequently.
Since it is in a pot you have to be very aware of watering it. And that is why it is more advisable to plant the rose of Jericho in a fish tank, because it hardly requires any attention. What do you think of this plant? Do you already have one at home?