Dodder Plant Care
Cuscuta monogyna Vahl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cuscuta monogyna, the eastern dodder, is a species of annual herb in the family Convolvulaceae. They are climbers and have simple, broad leaves.
Full sun
At a glance
How do you care for Dodder?
Dodder grows best in full sun.
What Is the Dodder?
Dodder (Cuscuta monogyna) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Cuscuta genus. Dodder is also known as Monogynous dodder.
Dodder displays a parasitic vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Dodder produces small, white or pink flowers.
What Light Does the Dodder Need?
Dodder thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
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 monogyna Vahl, family Convolvulaceae (first published in Symb. Bot. 2: 32 (1791)) — 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Dodder Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species