Harland's Balanophora (Balanophora harlandii) is a holoparasitic plant native to Southeast Asia, lacking chlorophyll and roots, deriving nutrients from host plants.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Indirect
25% intensity
Prefers shaded conditions, often found under canopy.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow substrate to dry completely between waterings.
Well-drained, Humus-rich
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in subtropical to temperate climates, avoid frost.
Not Applicable
0% intensity
Root parasite, obtains nutrients from host plant.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None reported
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This species is a root parasite and does not require extensive watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Monitor the substrate moisture to ensure it remains dry to the touch before re-watering.
Pruning is generally not applicable to Balanophora harlandii. Its growth is limited to the flowering stalk which emerges from the ground.
Remove the spent flowering stalk cleanly at the base after it has finished blooming to prevent potential decay.
Propagation of Balanophora harlandii is extremely difficult and not typically achieved through conventional horticultural methods. It relies on specialized pollinators and its unique parasitic relationship with its host.
Artificial propagation is not a common practice.
Repotting is not necessary or advisable for Balanophora harlandii. As a root parasite, it is intrinsically linked to its host plant's root system.
Attempting to repot it would disrupt this essential relationship and likely result in the plant's demise.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Harland’s Balanophora (Balanophora harlandii)
Where Harland’s Balanophora (Balanophora harlandii) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Balanophoraceae |
| Genus | Balanophora |
| Species | Balanophora harlandii |
Similar in genus Balanophora
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
