Short-calyxed witchweed Plant Care
Striga brachycalyx Skan
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking violet flowers and unique branching pattern, this plant originates from the savannas of Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Striga brachycalyx for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full sun
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Short-calyxed witchweed?
Water Short-calyxed witchweed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Short-calyxed witchweed?
Short-calyxed witchweed (Striga brachycalyx) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Striga genus. Short-calyxed witchweed is native to Africa. Short-calyxed witchweed is also known as Small calyx witchweed.
Short-calyxed witchweed displays a parasitic annual herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Short-calyxed witchweed produces tubular flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Short-calyxed witchweed?
Striga brachycalyx requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Short-calyxed witchweed Need?
Short-calyxed witchweed thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Short-calyxed witchweed Prefer?
Striga brachycalyx grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Short-calyxed witchweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Short-calyxed witchweed?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Short-calyxed witchweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Short-calyxed witchweed?
Feed Short-calyxed witchweed every 4 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 4 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 Short-calyxed witchweed?
Not applicable, as 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 Short-calyxed witchweed?
Short-calyxed witchweed can be propagated through seeds, rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to witchweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Short-calyxed witchweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Short-calyxed witchweed, 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 Short-calyxed witchweed?
Short-calyxed witchweed 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 Short-calyxed witchweed Need?
Short-calyxed witchweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Short-calyxed witchweed is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Short-calyxed witchweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Short-calyxed witchweed 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 Striga genus — compare its care with other Striga species on PlantoScan.
Striga is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Short-calyxed witchweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Striga Species
Other Striga species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Striga brachycalyx Skan, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Fl. Trop. Afr. 4(2): 403 (1906)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Short-calyxed witchweed, 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 13b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Short-calyxed witchweed 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