Dodder Laurel Plant Care

Dodder Laurel (Cassytha pubescens) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Cassytha genus.

Dodder Laurel displays a vining, parasitic plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Dodder Laurel produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Dodder Laurel thrives in full sun.

Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Dodder Laurel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

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

Prune Dodder Laurel 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 tree in one year.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Dodder Laurel can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tropical cassytha plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dodder Laurel is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.