Aristolochia pistolochia aka Pistolochia

Taxonomy

Aristolochia pistolochia is a herbaceous plant in the family Aristolochiaceae that is endemic to Mediterranean regions in southwest Europe. Its ovate-triangular leaves have cartilaginous margins and marked nerves, with a glaucous underside. The plant produces yellow flowers on the outside and dark reddish or green flowers on the inside. It is similar to Aristolochia paucinervis, but can be distinguished by its thick, jagged leaf border. This super rare houseplant thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, preferably less than 1 foot from a window. Well-draining soil is recommended, with the addition of a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Pistolochia, Aristolochia Pistolochia

How to care for Pistolochia

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Pistolochia 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 Pistolochia 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 Pistolochia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.


More info:
Wikipedia