Picridis Broomrape
orobanche picridis
Also known as: ["Picridis Broomrape"]
Overview
A parasitic flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae, lacking chlorophyll and deriving nutrients from host plants.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Orobanche |
| Botanical Name: | Orobanche picridis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: open ground in arid or semi-arid regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil mix suitable for the host plant (e.g., cactus mix or succulent soil).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: N/A
- Pruning Intensity: N/A
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Host plant requires bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; Orobanche benefits from the host's light conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate host plant to sunlight to prevent scorching; place host plant in a location with consistent light exposure; monitor for signs of light stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate host plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun for host.
Watering
rarely required, only when soil is completely dry
Avoid overwatering the host plant to prevent root rot; ensure host plant remains healthy for Orobanche to thrive; monitor host plant's moisture needs.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0) for most host plants.
Check soil moisture regularly; avoid compacted soil; use a soil mix suited to the host plant's needs.
Temperature
Host plant thrives in 60–75°F (15–24°C); Orobanche tolerates the same range as it parasitizes the host.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; adjust watering based on heat; protect from extreme cold or heat.
Fertilizing
not required
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer for host plants; fertilize in the morning for better absorption; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Orobanche picridis propagates via seed, which requires a host plant for germination and growth.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds near host plant roots.
- Maintain soil moisture.
- Monitor for Orobanche emergence.
- Protect from pests.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when host plants are actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with consistent moisture around the host plant's roots.
Medium
Requires a host plant's root system for germination; no traditional medium needed.
Hormone
Not applicable, as propagation relies on parasitism.
Timeline
Germination occurs within 1–2 weeks if conditions are optimal; establishment depends on host plant health.
Tools Needed
None specific; host plant care tools may be needed.
Quick Tips
Ensure host plant is healthy before propagation; maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid disturbing the soil around host roots.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
N/A
Pruning Plan
Not applicable to Orobanche picridis, as it is a parasitic plant without traditional pruning needs.
Tools
N/A
Checklist
N/A
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer, when host plants are actively growing.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by one size up or 2–3 cm in diameter.
Method
Carefully transfer host plant to a new pot with fresh soil; avoid disturbing Orobanche connections to roots.
Suggestions
Repot the host plant if necessary, ensuring Orobanche remains attached to the roots.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; gently remove host plant; preserve Orobanche connections; use well-draining soil.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check host plant's soil moisture; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting Orobanche directly.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the host plant at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, as Orobanche picridis is a parasitic plant and relies on host plants for moisture. Avoid direct watering unless cultivating the host plant.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth on the host plant; lack of Orobanche development.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow host plant growth, reducing Orobanche's ability to parasitize effectively.
Solution: Protect host plant from frost; use a grow light or heating mat in colder climates; ensure adequate insulation for outdoor hosts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can stress the host plant, leading to dehydration and reduced Orobanche growth.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the host plant; water host more frequently in hot conditions.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check host plant's nutrient needs; dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to soil, not foliage; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Fertilize the host plant lightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing Orobanche directly.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicOrobanche picridis is toxic to cats, with ingestion causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The plant's toxic compounds can lead to significant health issues in felines, including potential organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicOrobanche picridis is toxic to dogs, with ingestion leading to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The toxic alkaloids present in the plant can cause significant distress and potential organ damage in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOrobanche picridis contains compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The plant lacks chlorophyll and derives nutrients from host plants, which may contribute to its toxic profile. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset, neurological effects, and potential organ damage due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Orobanche picridis toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Orobanche picridis grow without chlorophyll?
A: It is a parasitic plant that attaches to host plant roots to derive nutrients.
Q: Is Orobanche picridis suitable for beginners?
A: No, it is challenging to cultivate and requires expert knowledge.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | rarely required, only when soi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
