Broomrape Plant Care
Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma Rätzel & Uhlich
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma is a unique plant known for its striking white flowers with yellow centers, making it stand out in any garden. This parasitic plant lacks chlorophyll and relies on the nutrients of its host plant to survive, adding an intriguing element to its growth habit.
Every 7–14 days
Part to full shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Broomrape?
Water Broomrape every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Broomrape?
Broomrape (Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Orobanche genus. Broomrape is native to Mediterranean region.
Broomrape displays a parasitic herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Broomrape produces tubular flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Broomrape?
Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma 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 Broomrape Need?
Broomrape thrives in part to full shade. Avoid placing Broomrape in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broomrape Prefer?
Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Broomrape prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Broomrape?
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Broomrape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Broomrape?
Feed Broomrape every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Broomrape?
Does not require potting as it is a 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 Broomrape?
Broomrape can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to branched broomrape plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Broomrape Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Broomrape, 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 Broomrape?
Broomrape is susceptible to no common pests known. 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
Broomrape 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 Orobanche genus — compare its care with other Orobanche species on PlantoScan.
Orobanche is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Broomrape copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Orobanche Species
Other Orobanche species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma Rätzel & Uhlich, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Feddes Repert. 115: 198 (2004)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broomrape, 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.
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