Aristolochia grandiflora aka Duckflower

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Duckflower

Difficulty

Duckflower requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

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

To ensure optimal growth, the Duckflower prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

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.


More info:
Wikipedia