Phelypaea Cistanche
cistanche phelypaea
Also known as: ["Desert Hyssop","Orobanchaceae Phelypaea"]
Overview
A parasitic herbaceous plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family, known for its medicinal properties and unique growth habit.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Cistanche |
| Botanical Name: | Cistanche phelypaea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock garden or xeriscaped area with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or every 2–3 years, or as needed to remove dead growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; provide shade during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid direct sun in hottest hours; adjust for seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of cactus soil and regular potting soil; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in dormancy
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent warmth (70–75°F or 21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or weak stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCistanche phelypaea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from exposure or ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicCistanche phelypaea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from exposure or ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicCistanche phelypaea is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans under normal conditions. It is primarily used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cistanche phelypaea toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Cistanche phelypaea grow?
A: It is a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of other plants.
Q: What are the medicinal uses of Cistanche phelypaea?
A: It has been used in traditional medicine for its tonic and aphrodisiac properties.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
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