Growing Aristolochia Grandiflora

Plant Description

• Aristolochia grandiflora grows energetically with flowering vines up to 10 feet in length. The plant produces an abundance of green, heart-shaped leaves, covering the vines completely. The blossoms are large -- up to 8 inches in width and 23 inches in length. The blossoms last approximately two days, during which time they produce an odor similar to rotting meat. This odor attracts insects, which aid in the pollination process. After pollination occurs, the odor stops and the flowers fade.

Environmental Requirements

• Aristolochia grandiflora requires a sunny growing location for the most energetic growth with temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The vines may benefit from vertical support -- install a trellis or stake that supports the base of the plant. The plant prefers well-draining soil but high organic content is not necessary for growth.

Growth Process

• When Aristolochia grandiflora grows in tropical regions, it can grow so energetically that some gardeners consider them weeds, according to authors of “Logee’s Greenhouses Spectacular Container Plants.” These plants need little encouragement or care to grow into large and rambling vines. With abundant sunlight, Aristolochia may bloom throughout the entire year. Lower levels of light may reduce blooming to the standard spring through autumn.

Growth Tips

• Limit fertilizer to once or twice each month during the growing season to ensure plentiful blossoms. Excess fertilizer may increase foliage and decrease blossoms. Attract swallowtail butterflies to a landscape by growing Aristolochia grandiflora -- these butterfly larvae eat the leaves. Prune the plant when it resumes active growth in the spring to control the size. If the Aristolochia grandiflora vines become too large during the growing season, trim them back at any point.