Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Dodder Plant Care
Cuscuta acuta Engelm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cuscuta acuta, also known as dodder, is a parasitic plant with thin, thread-like stems that twine around host plants. It lacks leaves and chlorophyll, relying on its host for nutrients. This unique plant is notable for its ability to form dense tangles of orange or yellow stems in the wild.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dodder?
Water Dodder every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity.
What Is the Dodder?
Dodder (Cuscuta acuta) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Cuscuta genus. Dodder is native to North America. Dodder is also known as Sharp Dodder.
Dodder displays a parasitic vine growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Dodder produces small, white or pink flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Dodder?
Cuscuta acuta requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dodder Need?
Dodder thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dodder Prefer?
Cuscuta acuta grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Dodder prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dodder?
No soil needed, parasitic plant. Good drainage is essential for Dodder to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Dodder?
Not applicable, parasitic plant. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dodder?
Dodder can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california dodder plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dodder Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dodder, 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 Dodder?
Dodder is susceptible to no 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.
Keep exploring plants
Dodder 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 Cuscuta genus — compare its care with other Cuscuta species on PlantoScan.
Cuscuta is part of the Convolvulaceae plant family — browse all Convolvulaceae genera and species.
Dodder thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cuscuta Species
Other Cuscuta species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cuscuta acuta Engelm., family Convolvulaceae (first published in Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 1: 497 (1859)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dodder, 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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