Broomrape Plant Care
Orobanche ramosa var. monoclonos (Wallr.) Delip.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique parasitic plant lacks chlorophyll, resulting in its striking yellowish color and leafless appearance. Originating from Mediterranean regions, Orobanche ramosa var. monoclonos is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and intriguing growth habit, making it a fascinating addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Part to full shade
60–80°F
50–70%
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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Broomrape?
Broomrape (Orobanche ramosa var. monoclonos) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Orobanche genus. Broomrape is native to Eurasia and North Africa. Broomrape is also known as Branched Broomrape.
Broomrape displays a parasitic herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to 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 ramosa var. monoclonos 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 ramosa var. monoclonos grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Broomrape 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 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 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 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 Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae 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 ramosa var. monoclonos (Wallr.) Delip., family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Fl. Republ. Bŭlgariya 10: 295 (1995):.) — 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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