The Rose of Jericho: How to Wake It Up and Keep It for Abundance
The Rose of Jericho is a dry desert plant that opens and turns green in water, then closes again when it dries, over and over for years. That is why it is called the resurrection plant. Many families keep one at home for abundance, luck and protection: set it in a shallow bowl of water, change the water every day or two, and say a few words of thanks.
Key takeaways
It opens in water within a few hours and closes again when it dries.
Change the water every day or two, and let it dry out fully now and then.
It is kept for abundance, luck, protection and new beginnings.
The water is for the ritual, not for drinking.
What is the Rose of Jericho?
The Rose of Jericho sold in markets today is usually Selaginella lepidophylla, a small plant from the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and the United States. When it dries out, it curls into a tight brown ball and can stay that way for years. Put it in water and it slowly unfolds and turns green again.
The name comes from another desert plant from the Middle East and North Africa, Anastatica hierochuntica, often called the true Rose of Jericho. It also opens when it gets wet. Both share the same magic: they look lifeless, and then they come back.
Rose of Jericho spiritual meaning
Because it comes back to life again and again, the Rose of Jericho stands for new beginnings, renewal and abundance that keeps returning. In Mexico and across Latin America, many families keep one at home or in their shop to call in prosperity, good luck and protection. Its way of rising again also ties it to the resurrection in Christian tradition, and it is widely known as the resurrection plant.
Keeping one is a living ritual. Each time you give it fresh water and watch it open, you send the signal that good things keep coming back to you.
How to wake up your Rose of Jericho
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Choose a shallow bowl
Pick a wide, shallow bowl or plate. The roots go down, so the bowl only needs a little water.
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Add room-temperature water
Pour in enough water to cover the roots and the bottom of the plant.
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Set the rose in, roots down
Place the dry rose in the water with the roots at the bottom and the curled top facing up.
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Say your intention
Hold your hands over it and say what you are calling in: "Abundance and good luck live in this home."
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Watch it open
Over a few hours it will unfold and turn greener. Each time it opens, say thank you.
12 lines to say to your Rose of Jericho
Love & Relationships
“Love keeps coming back to me.”
“My home is full of warmth.”
“I open my heart like this rose opens.”
Money & Abundance
“Abundance keeps coming back to me.”
“Prosperity lives in this home.”
“What I need always returns to me.”
Career & Purpose
“I begin again whenever I choose.”
“Good luck follows me today.”
“New chances open for me.”
Health & Wellness
“I renew myself every day.”
“I come back to life after every rest.”
“Peace and protection fill my home.”
How to care for a Rose of Jericho
Change the water every day or two so it stays fresh and does not start to smell. Don't leave it sitting in water for weeks on end: every week or two, take it out and let it dry fully for a few days, until it closes again, then wake it up once more. This rest is what keeps it from rotting or growing mold. Keep it in a bright spot, out of strong direct sun. Cared for this way, it can last for years.
A simple Rose of Jericho ritual for abundance
Each time you change the water, hold the bowl for a moment and say one thing you are thankful for and one thing you are calling in, as if it is already yours: "Thank you for my home. Abundance keeps coming back to me." Many people start their rose on a fresh start, like the new moon or the first of the month. It pairs well with other rituals for prosperity, like the cinnamon on the first.
What to do with the water
Never drink it. In folk practice, the old water is often sprinkled at the front door or on the floor of a room to bless it, or poured on plants outside. If you prefer, simply pour it down the drain with a thank you. Like water left under the full moon, it carries your intention, so treat it with care.
Keep your abundance signal going
The rose is a lovely reminder at home, but your signal goes out all day, wherever you are. Put a few abundance lines on your lock screen so you see them when you are out. For more, start with these abundance affirmations. And Amplify keeps sending your desires into the universe while you live your life.
Tips for your Rose of Jericho
Give it rest days
Letting it dry out fully for a few days every week or two keeps it healthy for years.
Fresh water, fresh signal
Changing the water often keeps it clean and turns care into a small daily ritual.
Place it where you see it
A kitchen counter, a desk or near the front door. A rose you see sends a signal every day.
Start on a fresh start
The new moon, the first of the month or New Year's Day are lovely days to wake it up for the first time.
Rose of Jericho: frequently asked questions
It is kept at home or in a shop for abundance, good luck, protection and new beginnings. Because it comes back to life in water again and again, it stands for good things that keep returning.
