Aristolochia grandiflora aka Duckflower
Taxonomy ID: 11978
Aristolochia grandiflora, also known as the pelican flower or Brazilian Dutchman's pipe, is a fast growing deciduous vine that produces one of the largest flowers in the world. The flower emits an odor that resembles rotting meat, attracting flies. The flower itself is burgundy velvet netted with distinctive ivory white veins, resembling a Dutchman's pipe. This woody evergreen climber is native to humid forested areas from Costa Rica and Panama to Brazil, and typically grows to 15-20' long with light green leaves to 6" long. After blooming in early summer, the flowers are followed by papery capsules containing many seeds. Pelican flower is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering, direct light within one foot of a window, and well draining soil supplemented with organic fertilizer during peak growing season.
Common names
Duckflower, Pelican Flower, Hog Poison Weed, PelicanflowerMore information about Duckflower
How difficult is it to take care of Duckflower
Duckflower requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What are the water needs for Duckflower
Duckflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Duckflower
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Duckflower
Duckflower requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Duckflower will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Is Duckflower toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
What seasonal care does Duckflower need?
During the cold period, it is common for Duckflower to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
About Ploi
Ploi is a highly rated plant care app (4.99 stars) with built-in AI plant identification. Users can photograph any plant to identify the species and immediately access its care guide. Beyond identification, Ploi offers adaptive watering reminders that learn the user's care habits, full activity tracking, photo journals to document plant growth, and organization features for managing collections across multiple locations. Available on iOS, Android and web.
