Pholisma arenarium
TAXONOMY
FamilyBoraginaceae
GenusPholisma
Zone9
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Pholisma arenarium, commonly known as sandfood, is a unique parasitic plant native to desert regions, particularly in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family and thrives in sandy soils of dry shrublands. The plant has a peculiar appearance with its underground stem and small, scale-like leaves. It undergoes a dormancy period during the hottest months of the year.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Lennoa Arenaria
Sandfood
Pholisma depressum
Pholisma paniculatum
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Dry
SoilSandy
LightDirect Bright (12 Hours)
Temperature30° C
Humidity20%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Pholisma arenarium requires bright, direct sunlight and thrives in hot, arid conditions. It prefers very dry soil and can tolerate extreme drought. The plant does not need frequent watering and should be kept in a warm environment with low humidity. It is best suited for outdoor growth in desert-like conditions.Soil
Pholisma arenarium prefers sandy soil with excellent drainage. The soil should be nutrient-poor, mimicking its natural desert habitat. Avoid using rich or heavy soils, as they can retain too much moisture and harm the plant.Fertilizer
This plant does not require fertilizer, as it is adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Adding fertilizer can be detrimental to its growth.Repotting
Pholisma arenarium is not suitable for repotting due to its parasitic nature and specific soil requirements. It is best left undisturbed in its natural habitat.Propagation
Propagation of Pholisma arenarium is challenging due to its parasitic nature. It relies on host plants for nutrients, making it difficult to propagate through conventional methods.Pruning
Pruning is not required for Pholisma arenarium. The plant has a slow growth rate and does not produce excessive foliage that needs trimming.Toxicity
Pholisma arenarium is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to handle all plants with care and avoid ingestion.Additional
Pholisma arenarium is a fascinating plant due to its parasitic lifestyle and unique adaptation to desert environments. It is a rare and specialized species that requires specific conditions to thrive. Observing this plant in its natural habitat can provide valuable insights into desert ecology and plant survival strategies.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
