Photo: Annika LindqvistCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Branched Broomrape Plant Care
Orobanche ramosa L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This parasitic plant lacks chlorophyll, resulting in its striking pale yellow coloration, making it easily identifiable among other plants. Originating from Europe and Asia, Orobanche ramosa is sought after by plant collectors for its unique growth habit and ability to form intricate, branched stems.
Every 7–10 days
Part to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Branched Broomrape?
Water Branched Broomrape every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Branched Broomrape?
Branched Broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Orobanche genus. Branched Broomrape is native to Eurasia and North Africa. Branched Broomrape is also known as Hemp Broomrape, Cannabis Broomrape.
Branched Broomrape displays a parasitic herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Branched Broomrape produces tubular flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Branched Broomrape?
Orobanche ramosa requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Branched Broomrape Need?
Branched Broomrape thrives in part to full shade. Avoid placing Branched 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 Branched Broomrape Prefer?
Orobanche ramosa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Branched Broomrape prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Branched Broomrape?
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Branched Broomrape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Branched Broomrape?
Feed Branched Broomrape every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Branched 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 Branched Broomrape?
Branched Broomrape can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greater broomrape plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Branched Broomrape Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Branched 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 Branched Broomrape?
Branched 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Branched Broomrape Need?
Branched Broomrape grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Branched Broomrape is native to Eurasia and North Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Branched 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.
Branched 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 ramosa L., family Orobanchaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 633 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Branched 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.
- Photo: Annika Lindqvist, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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