Aristolochia gigantea aka Duckflower

Taxonomy

Aristolochia gigantea, also known as the Brazilian Dutchman's pipe or giant pelican flower, is an ornamental plant native to Brazil. This vigorous evergreen climber has heart-shaped leaves and produces spectacular fragrant flowers. The flowers are deep, dark reddish-purple with intricate cream mottling and have an unpleasant smell. This plant is cited in Flora Brasiliensis and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in the UK. However, it must be grown under glass in the UK as it cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). In addition to its ornamental value, Aristolochia gigantea poses a threat to the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. The butterfly confuses this plant with its native host plant and may lay eggs on it, even though the caterpillars cannot survive on its foliage. For those interested in growing Aristolochia gigantea as a houseplant, it is considered super rare and easy to grow. Regular watering is necessary for its thriving, and it prefers long-lasting, direct light. It should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. Well-draining soil is preferred, and a gentle, organic fertilizer can be used during the peak growing season. However, it is important to note that Aristolochia gigantea is extremely dangerous if consumed.

Common names

Duckflower

How to care for Duckflower

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Duckflower due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Duckflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Duckflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Duckflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Duckflower.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.


More info:
Wikipedia