White broom (Retama raetam)

Also known as: Retem

The **White Broom (Retama raetam)** is commonly found in desert regions and is characterized by its long, drooping branches adorned with small white flowers. In the Iron Age, it was a key source of charcoal for smelting. Though its fruit is toxic to humans, it provides a crucial food source for animals like goats and camels.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of White broom

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Spread

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Gray

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of White broom

Quickly Identify White broom

Look for a multi-branched shrub with small, almost scale-like leaves and white or pale yellow flowers. It often has a rounded, bushy appearance.

Scientific Classification of White broom

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Retama

Species

White broom

Planting and Growing of White broom

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water White broom?

Retama raetam thrives in arid environments, making it crucial to water it with restraint. Offer 500 ml of water each time, ensuring the soil is moistened but not waterlogged. Aim for deep watering that reaches the root zone to mimic occasional desert-like showers.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered White broom? ›

What should I do if my White broom is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered White broom? ›

How to save an overwatered White broom? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for White broom?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Retama raetam flourishes in full sun conditions. This exposure enhances its flowering potential, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth throughout its life cycle.

What kind of sunlight is best? ›

How can I optimize its light exposure? ›

What benefits does optimal lighting provide? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for White broom?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 86℉

Retama raetam thrives best in temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. These conditions support optimal metabolic and photosynthesis rates, ensuring vigorous growth and flowering. Maintaining this temperature range helps in emulating its native warm environment, promoting health and resilience.

What Soil is Best for White broom?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Retama raetam thrives in well-drained soils, preventing root rot by ensuring excess water swiftly percolates away. This requirement is crucial for its survival in regions prone to heavy rains, as stagnant water can lead to detrimental root diseases. This plant is accustomed to growing in nutrient-poor conditions, which mimics its natural desert habitats. Providing nutrient-rich soil could encourage excessive, weak growth that may not withstand harsh environmental conditions. For Retama raetam, having soil with excellent drought resistance allows it to endure long periods without water, reflecting the arid environments it is native to. This adaptation is beneficial in conserving water and ensuring plant health during dry spells.

How to Fertilize White broom?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Retama raetam thrives in nutrient-poor soils, so it's important not to over-fertilize. When using liquid fertilizer, apply at a diluted concentration of about 25% of the recommended dose to prevent nutrient burn.

How to Prune White broom?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Focus on cutting back the long and leggy stems to encourage a more bushy growth habit. This involves using sharp pruners to trim back stems to a node, which is a growth point on the stem where leaves or branches are attached. This kind of precise trim ensures that the energy of the plant is redirected to growing in a more compact shape rather than extending outwards unchecked. Carefully inspect the plant for any dead or diseased wood, which should be pruned out promptly. Removing deadwood is crucial as it prevents the spread of disease and reduces pest habitat within the plant. This can be done by cutting the dead branches back to healthy tissue or down to ground level if necessary to stimulate fresh, healthy growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate White broom plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by preparing a well-draining potting mix. Ensure that the soil is light and airy to facilitate root growth and prevent waterlogging. If necessary, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Sow the Retama raetam seeds evenly on the soil surface. Cover them with a thin layer of soil and gently pat down to secure the seeds. Ensure proper soil contact for successful germination.

After sowing the seeds, water them gently but thoroughly. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated to avoid seed rot. Use a spray bottle for even watering.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot White broom plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Retama raetam is best signaled by slow growth or if the roots start escaping from drainage holes. Spring or autumn are ideal when the plant is not under stress from extreme weather. At these times, the plant is actively growing, which helps in recovering from the stress of repotting.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, with ample drainage holes. A slightly bigger pot allows roots to expand, supporting healthy growth, while good drainage prevents waterlogging, a common culprit in root rot for Retama raetam.

Opt for a sandy, well-draining soil mix. This mimic the plant's natural desert habitat, ensuring water flows freely and prevents root rot. Such soil also provides the necessary aeration, crucial for the plant’s root health, while ensuring adequate moisture retention.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.