Giant Broomrape

orobanche elatior

Also known as: ["Giant Broomrape"]

Family: Orobanchaceae Genus: Orobanche Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A parasitic herbaceous plant with no chlorophyll, relying on host plants for nutrients.

Benefits & Perks

["rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Orobanche
Botanical Name: Orobanche elatior

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: attached to a host plant in natural settings
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: not required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining for host; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Host plant-specific; well-draining mix (e.g., cactus mix, orchid bark).
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very low
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed for host plant maintenance.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on host species and growth habit.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Host plant requires bright indirect light (6–8 hours/day); Orobanche benefits indirectly from host’s light conditions.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate host plant gradually to avoid scorch; place in filtered light if outdoors; ensure indoor placement mimics natural light patterns.

Warning Signs: Host plant decline (yellowing, wilting) or Orobanche detachment indicates poor conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
expert only

challenging

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Monitor host for light stress; adjust shade as needed; avoid direct sun on host.

Watering

rarely required, only when soil is completely dry

Avoid overwatering the Orobanche itself; ensure the host plant is adequately watered; monitor host plant health for signs of stress.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Host-dependent; typically 6.0–7.0 for most ornamental hosts.

Use sterile mix; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture for host.

Temperature

Host plant ideal range: 65–75°F (18–24°C); Orobanche tolerates similar range but depends on host health.

Monitor host temperature; adjust placement seasonally; protect from extremes.

Fertilizing

not required

Fertilize host, not Orobanche; use weak solution; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation on host roots; rare vegetative propagation due to parasitic nature.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds near host roots.
  2. Maintain moisture.
  3. Monitor for germination.
  4. Ensure host health.

Best Time: Spring, when host is actively growing and temperatures are mild.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions near host roots; indirect light.

Medium

Host root surface with sterile, moist medium (e.g., peat moss); no traditional soil needed.

Hormone

Not applicable; relies on host root contact for germination.

Timeline

Germination: 2–4 weeks; establishment: 1–2 months after initial attachment.

Tools Needed

Seeds, host plant, sterile medium, humidity dome (optional).

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds; keep medium consistently moist; ensure host is healthy.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Standard pruning techniques for host plant (e.g., deadheading, shaping).

Pruning Plan

Not applicable to Orobanche; focus on host plant pruning to maintain health.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune host only; remove dead/diseased parts; maintain airflow.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure adequate drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove host; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure Orobanche remains attached.

Suggestions

Repot host plant every 2–3 years or when root-bound; Orobanche will follow host’s new pot.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; handle roots carefully; maintain Orobanche attachment; water host after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Water host plant deeply; check host soil moisture; avoid direct Orobanche watering; ensure drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water the host plant thoroughly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; allow excess water to drain away; avoid wetting the Orobanche directly unless necessary for initial establishment.

Pro Tip: Focus watering on the host plant’s roots, not the Orobanche, to prevent rot.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, as Orobanche elatior is a parasitic plant and relies on a host for moisture; avoid direct watering unless cultivating the host plant.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure pH balance.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Host: wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth; Orobanche: reduced parasitic activity, yellowing.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow host metabolism, reducing nutrients for Orobanche; frost can damage host tissues.

Solution: Protect host with frost cloth; move potted hosts indoors; ensure minimal temperature fluctuations.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can desiccate host, reducing Orobanche’s nutrient uptake; may cause host wilting or leaf burn.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase host watering; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Fertilize host only; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid Orobanche contact.

Fertilizing Method

Fertilize host plant with balanced, diluted fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 at 1/4 strength) monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing Orobanche directly.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves may occur due to the parasitic nature of Orobanche elatior, which attaches to the host plant's roots and deprives it of essential nutrients, leading to chlorosis.

Wilting can be observed as Orobanche elatior competes with the host plant for water and nutrients, causing the host to exhibit signs of water stress.

Leaf spots are not commonly associated with Orobanche elatior infestation, as it primarily affects the root system.

Root rot may develop in the host plant as a secondary effect of Orobanche elatior infestation, due to the weakened state of the plant and potential introduction of pathogens.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to toxicity from Orobanche elatior if they consume any part of the plant. The toxic compounds can lead to gastrointestinal and systemic issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy depression loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Orobanche elatior can be toxic to dogs, causing gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects due to the plant's chemical composition.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal discomfort
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Orobanche elatior, commonly known as broomrape, is a parasitic plant that can be toxic if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can disrupt normal physiological processes, leading to adverse health effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Orobanche elatior toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Orobanche elatior grow without chlorophyll?

A: It is a parasitic plant that derives nutrients from host plants.

Q: Is Orobanche elatior suitable for beginners?

A: No, it is challenging to cultivate and requires expert care.

Quick Reference
Family: Orobanchaceae
Care: expert only
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: rarely required, only when soi
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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