Compact dodder (Cuscuta compacta) is a parasitic plant that spreads vines across the woody surfaces of its host plant. It can be found across North America, but has also spread to parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Compact dodder parasitizes many woody species but is of particular concern among blueberry farmers.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Cuscuta compacta, the compact dodder, is a parasitic plant that specializes in woody plants.
The species Cuscuta compacta can be particularly found in the lower 48 states including Canada. The genus Cuscuta compacta has been identified in Africa, Europe, South America, China, and Australia. Cuscuta compacta can be seen wrapped around their host plants during the months of July through November. Its habitat consists of bottomland forests near stream banks.
Other locations are marshes, swamps, and any wet habitats. Cuscuta compacta can parasitize both herbaceous and but especially specialize on woody hosts. Cuscuta is highly diverse being found all over the world yet the majority of this genus is in the Americas.
Cuscuta compacta is also known as compact dodder or flower love vine. The range of this parasitic plant extends from eastern Canada, the eastern and Midwestern USA to Canada. It is very common in southern Alabama and other southeastern U.S. states.
The plant Cuscuta compacta is known as a stem parasite with a yellowish stem that wraps around a host plant. The flowers on this plant are very small. The flowers are small and occur from clusters of four to five. The flowers have a tube or cylinder form with a size of 5mm long and 2mm wide. The sepals of the flower have obtuse tips. The corolla tips on C. compacta gradually acuminate to a sharp point. The length of the stamens are 0.3mm long and is exerted. The style of the pistil is 0.5 mm long. Scales on C. compacta are shorter than the corolla tube. Capsules are tubular in shape with a length of 3mm long and width of 2mm wide. The seeds of C. compacta are 2mm in length and are brown when fresh.
C. compacta is a heterotrophic parasitic plant meaning they attach themselves around other plants and remove their nutrients. As compact dodders age over time, it does not grow any roots. Instead of growing roots, it produces a slender shoot that develops into tendrils. Although it takes time, the tendrils begin to bend and move in different directions until it has attached itself to a host. In a controlled lab environment, Cuscuta compacta can attach itself to many host at one time. Yet in the wild, this species C. compacta appears to be more selective for hosts.
II. How to Grow and Care
Compact dodder is a parasitic plant that requires a careful balance in its care. It must be provided with a host from which it can derive nutrients without killing it. Avoid overuse of fertilizers or water, as these can damage both compact dodder and its host. Special attention should be paid to selecting compatible host plants that can support compact dodder while maintaining their own health.
Watering
Compact dodder thrives in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, where weekly rainfall maintains soil moisture without waterlogging. This plant exhibits a preference for consistent hydration but can tolerate brief dry spells. Watering should align with this balance, hence compact dodder benefits from watering every week. Compact dodder, being a parasitic plant, often grows outdoors and relies on the host for nutrients and water; therefore, understanding the water needs of the host species is crucial to ensure optimal growth and health of compact dodder.
Fertilizing
For compact dodder, a parasitic plant, fertilization is unconventional. Instead of traditional methods, ensuring host plants are well-fertilized with balanced nutrition fertilizers promotes compact dodder’s health indirectly. Fertilize host plants seasonally, adjusting to growth stages, for compact dodder to derive nourishment. Limit quantities to prevent overfeeding compact dodders. Apply practical tips: observe host vigor as compact dodder’s indicator and use slow-release formulas for sustained feeding. Special care: avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive compact dodder growth, which can harm the host.
Propagation
This parasitic plant with its delicate, thread-like stems lacks chlorophyll, relying on host plants for nutrition. Propagation primarily entails dispersal of seeds produced by small, globular, and inconspicuous flowers. To propagate compact dodder, it’s critical to ensure it’s legally and ethically permissible, given its invasiveness. Growers should carefully place seeds on prospective host plants, facilitating attachment for necessary sustenance. Ideal hosts are those already plentiful, avoiding threat to native flora. Close monitoring is essential to maintain a balance within the ecosystem.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant a compact dodder is when the days are softly warm, from early to mid-spring, fostering vigorous growth. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. If done with care, compact dodder will thrive, adapting with resilience to its new location.
Germination
Germination occurs when the embryo begins to grow and bursts from the seed coat. Then the process begins only after the seed absorbs water. The embryo then starts to use the stored food to grow and develop the radicle facing. In order for Cuscuta compacta to germinate the ambient temperature needs to be 22 C to 23 C (71.6 F to 73.4 F).
