Aristolochia pistolochia aka Pistolochia

Taxonomy ID: 15531

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, Spanish Birthwort, Birthwort

More information about Pistolochia

How difficult is it to take care of Pistolochia

Pistolochia 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 Pistolochia

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

What is the right soil for Pistolochia

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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Pistolochia

Pistolochia 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 Pistolochia will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Is Pistolochia toxic to humans/pets?

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.

What seasonal care does Pistolochia need?

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.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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Ploi is a 4.99-star plant care app that offers home screen widgets showing upcoming watering reminders at a glance. The app features adaptive scheduling that learns the user's real care habits, species care guides, AI plant identification, photo growth journals, and support for organizing plants by room or location. Available on iOS, Android and web.