Ghost Pipe Plant Care
Monotropa uniflora L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Monotropa uniflora, also known as the American Indian ghost pipe plant, is a herbaceous, parasitic, non-photosynthesizing, perennial flowering plant native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America, but with large gaps between areas. The plant is waxy white, but some specimens have been described as having black flecks or pale pink coloration.
Every 7–14 days
Low to medium indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ghost Pipe?
Water Ghost Pipe every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity.
Where Is the Ghost Pipe Native To?
What Is the Ghost Pipe?
Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Monotropa genus. Ghost Pipe is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America. Ghost Pipe is also known as Indian Pipe, Corpse Plant, Monotropa.
Ghost Pipe displays a low clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Ghost Pipe produces unique waxy white or pinkish flowers with no chlorophyll.
How Often Should You Water a Ghost Pipe?
Monotropa uniflora 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 Ghost Pipe Need?
Ghost Pipe thrives in low to medium indirect light. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Ghost Pipe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ghost Pipe Prefer?
Monotropa uniflora grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Ghost Pipe prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ghost Pipe?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ghost Pipe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Ghost Pipe?
Rarely requires repotting. 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 Ghost Pipe?
Ghost Pipe can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow bird's nest plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ghost Pipe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ghost Pipe, 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 Ghost Pipe?
Ghost Pipe is susceptible to not commonly affected by 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 Ghost Pipe Need?
Ghost Pipe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ghost Pipe is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Ghost Pipe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ghost Pipe 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 Monotropa genus — compare its care with other Monotropa species on PlantoScan.
Monotropa is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Ghost Pipe 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: Monotropa uniflora L., family Ericaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 387 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ghost Pipe, 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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