Indian Asparagus Orchid Plant Care

Aeginetia indica L.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Aeginetia indica, commonly known as Indian broomrape or forest ghost flower, is a holoparasitic herb or root parasite of the plant family Orobanchaceae. It grows in moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests of tropical and subtropical Asia and New Guinea.

🌱Herbs🌻Annuals🌴Tropical Plants
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Plant Indian Asparagus Orchid in partial to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C).

What Is the Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Indian Asparagus Orchid (Aeginetia indica) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Aeginetia genus.

Indian Asparagus Orchid displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Indian Asparagus Orchid produces small, tubular flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Water a young or newly planted Indian Asparagus Orchid every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Indian Asparagus Orchid Need?

Indian Asparagus Orchid thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Indian Asparagus Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Asparagus Orchid Prefer?

Aeginetia indica tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Indian Asparagus Orchid prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Indian Asparagus Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Where Should You Plant a Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian Asparagus Orchid is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Indian Asparagus Orchid can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Prune Indian Asparagus Orchid while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Indian Asparagus Orchid in Winter?

Indian Asparagus Orchid is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Indian Asparagus Orchid can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow broomrape plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Indian Asparagus Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Indian Asparagus Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Indian Asparagus Orchid?

Indian Asparagus Orchid is susceptible to not prone to common pests. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Indian Asparagus Orchid Need?

Indian Asparagus Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Indian Asparagus Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Indian Asparagus Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Aeginetia genus — compare its care with other Aeginetia species on PlantoScan.

Aeginetia is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.

Indian Asparagus Orchid copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Aeginetia indica L., family Orobanchaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 632 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indian Asparagus Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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