Denseflower Broomrape
orobanche densiflora
Also known as: ["Denseflower Broomrape"]
Overview
A parasitic herbaceous plant lacking chlorophyll, typically found attached to the roots of host plants.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Orobanche |
| Botanical Name: | Orobanche densiflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: attached to host plant roots in natural habitat, or in specialized cultivation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining for host plant.
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil for host plant (e.g., cactus mix or sandy loam).
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 should receive full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours/day). Orobanche itself does not require sunlight.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate host plant gradually to sunlight; avoid intense midday sun for host; Orobanche thrives in shaded, parasitic conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
partial shade
Host plant: full sun to partial shade; Orobanche: no direct sunlight needed; adjust based on host's needs.
Watering
rarely required, only when soil is completely dry
Ensure host plant is adequately watered; avoid overwatering the parasite itself; monitor host plant's moisture needs.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
pH: Host plant typically prefers 6.0–7.0 pH.
Ensure soil is loose and airy; avoid waterlogged conditions; match host plant's soil needs.
Temperature
Host plant typically prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C). Orobanche tolerates the same range as its host.
Monitor host plant's temperature needs; protect from extremes; adjust care seasonally.
Fertilizing
not required
Use balanced fertilizer for host; apply sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation on host plant roots or stem cuttings with host tissue.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or cuttings with host tissue.
- Plant near host roots.
- Maintain moisture and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when host plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; host plant must be present.
Medium
Host root tissue or sterile potting mix with host roots.
Hormone
Not typically required for parasitic propagation.
Timeline
Several weeks to months for establishment, dependent on host health.
Tools Needed
Sterile scissors, propagation tray, host plant material.
Quick Tips
Ensure close contact with host roots; maintain high humidity; patience is key.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
N/A
Pruning Plan
Not applicable to Orobanche; focus on managing host plant's growth.
Tools
N/A
Checklist
N/A
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer, when host is actively growing.
Pot Size
One size up for host plant; ensure pot is deep enough for root systems.
Method
Carefully transfer host plant with attached Orobanche; use fresh soil for host; maintain contact between Orobanche and host roots.
Suggestions
Repot host plant if necessary, ensuring Orobanche remains attached to roots.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; handle roots gently; maintain Orobanche-host connection; water host after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check host plant's soil moisture; water host plant deeply; ensure good drainage; avoid direct watering of Orobanche.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the host plant thoroughly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, as Orobanche densiflora 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 to improve drainage; use organic matter for host plant fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Host plant: wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis; Orobanche: reduced parasitic activity or dieback.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow host plant growth, reducing Orobanche's parasitic success.
Solution: Protect host plant from frost; use mulch or move potted hosts indoors during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can stress the host plant, leading to dehydration and reduced Orobanche viability.
Solution: Provide shade for host plant during peak heat; increase watering frequency for host; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize host plant only; use diluted solution; apply during active growth; avoid Orobanche.
Fertilizing Method
Fertilize the host plant lightly during growing season; avoid fertilizing Orobanche directly.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest Orobanche densiflora. The plant's unique composition, lacking chlorophyll and deriving nutrients from host plants, can cause mild irritation to a cat's digestive tract. No severe toxicity is anticipated, but ingestion is not advisable.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Orobanche densiflora may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's parasitic nature and lack of chlorophyll contribute to its unusual composition, which can be mildly disruptive to a dog's digestive system. No severe systemic toxicity is expected, but ingestion should still be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicOrobanche densiflora, commonly known as denseflower broomrape, is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and derives nutrients from host plants. While not highly toxic, ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its unusual composition and potential irritant properties. The plant contains compounds that may disrupt normal digestive processes in humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Orobanche densiflora toxic to humans?
A: The toxicity of Orobanche densiflora to humans is unknown.
Q: How does Orobanche densiflora grow?
A: It is a parasitic plant that grows by attaching to the roots of host plants and lacks chlorophyll.
Q: Is Orobanche densiflora suitable for beginners?
A: No, it is difficult to cultivate and is best suited for expert botanists or collectors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | 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
