Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)

Also known as: Big sarsaparilla, Pipe vine, Broadleafed birthwort

Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) is a vigorous, deciduous vine perfect for climbing trellises or walls. Its lush, heart-shaped leaves create excellent privacy or shade. The vine features distinctive pipe-shaped flowers, which attract swallowtail butterflies.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Dutchman's pipe

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

4.5 m to 9 m

Spread

4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Brown Green Purple

Images of Dutchman's pipe

Quickly Identify Dutchman's pipe

Large heart-shaped leaves up to 10 inches (25 cm) wide, velvety texture.

Distinctive pipe-like flowers, purple-brown, growing up to 3 inches (8 cm) long.

Small yellow-greenish flowers resembling Dutch pipes, lack petals, emit unique fragrance.

Greenish hexagonal fruit capsule maturing to gray or black, dehiscent.

Slender stems turning brown, climbing growth pattern, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.

Scientific Classification of Dutchman's pipe

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Piperales

Family

Birthwort

Genus

Aristolochia

Species

Dutchman's pipe

Planting and Growing of Dutchman's pipe

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Dutchman's pipe?

For Aristolochia macrophylla, water the plant until the soil feels moderately moist but not soggy. Each watering should involve around 500 ml of water, ensuring the water reaches deep into the soil for thorough hydration. This approach helps maintain the plant's growth without oversaturating the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Dutchman's pipe? ›

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Dutchman's pipe? ›

How to save an overwatered Dutchman's pipe? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Dutchman's pipe?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3-6 hours daily

Aristolochia macrophylla benefits from partial sun or full shade. Ensuring this balance supports robust growth, vibrant leaf color, and enhances flowering potential.

How much sunlight does Aristolochia macrophylla need? ›

How can you ensure optimal lighting for this plant? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide to Aristolochia macrophylla? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Dutchman's pipe?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

For optimum growth, Aristolochia macrophylla thrives best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. Maintaining this range is crucial as these temperatures support the plant's metabolic processes and overall development. Warm temperatures ensure that photosynthesis occurs efficiently, leading to lush foliage and healthy blooms.

What Soil is Best for Dutchman's pipe?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aristolochia macrophylla thrives in soil that is rich in organic matter, providing the essential nutrients needed for its lush growth. This type of soil supports healthy leaf and flower development, ensuring the plant's vigorous growth. The plant requires soil with excellent drainage properties to prevent root rot. Good drainage helps maintain optimal moisture levels, essential for the robust growth of Aristolochia macrophylla. While good drainage is crucial, the soil should retain some moisture. This balance ensures that the plant remains hydrated without waterlogging, which is critical during dry spells.

How to Fertilize Dutchman's pipe?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Aristolochia macrophylla typically requires moderate amounts of fertilizer. Too little may stunt growth, while too much can cause foliage burn. Use a balanced fertilizer, applying about 1/4 cup per plant for slow-release fertilizers.

How to Prune Dutchman's pipe?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by examining the Aristolochia macrophylla for dead, damaged, or diseased stems. These should be removed first to prevent any issues from spreading. Additionally, look for stems growing in unwanted directions. After removing problematic stems, carefully trim back overgrown sections to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Cut just above a healthy bud to encourage new growth in the right direction. Ensure that the interior of the plant is not too dense. Thin out crowded areas to improve airflow, which helps prevent fungal infections and ensures that sunlight reaches inner leaves. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Dutchman's pipe plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

First, collect seeds from a healthy Aristolochia macrophylla plant. Ensure that the seeds are mature and dry them properly before planting. This step is critical to avoid seed rot and ensure successful germination.

Select a healthy stem and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a node for cuttings. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to avoid decay and help in quicker root establishment.

For layering, select a flexible stem and bend it to the ground. Make a small incision at the bend and cover it with soil, securing it in place. This encourages root growth at the incision point.

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How to Repot Dutchman's pipe plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot your Aristolochia macrophylla when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or when growth seems stunted despite proper care. Early spring or late summer is ideal, ensuring the plant is not under heat stress.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ensuring extra room for growth without causing water retention issues. A pot with good drainage will prevent root rot and will support robust development.

The ideal soil is loamy and well-draining, offering a balance between moisture retention and drainage. This supports the plant's need for consistent moisture without causing waterlogging, encouraging healthy root growth.

Toxicity of Dutchman's pipe

Is Dutchman's pipe toxic to humans?

The Dutchman's pipe is a highly toxic plant, and its consumption can lead to fatal outcomes. The danger arises from the presence of aristolochic acid, which can be found in every part of the plant. While it is safe to touch the Dutchman's pipe, whether accidentally or intentionally eating any portion of it poses a lethal threat. Ingesting this plant primarily leads to one severe symptom: kidney failure. This failure is irreversible and ultimately deadly. Additionally, exposure to aristolochic acid can increase the risk of developing cancer in the urinary tract and bladder. This vine is often found climbing trees in wooded regions. Despite being safe to touch, it is crucial to avoid ingesting any part of this plant under all circumstances.

Is Dutchman's pipe toxic to cat?

The Dutchman's pipe has been recognized as highly toxic to cats. Poisoning usually happens when cats consume any part of this plant, as its toxic properties are present throughout. After ingestion, cats may exhibit severe signs of physical distress, which can potentially be fatal. It is essential to seek immediate veterinary assistance if a cat consumes Dutchman's pipe, to ensure it receives the appropriate care and treatment.

Is Dutchman's pipe toxic to dog?

The plant species known as dutchman's pipe presents a serious toxicity threat to dogs. Ingesting any portion of the plant can result in considerable health complications. Dogs can suffer poisoning from consuming its leaves, stems, flowers, or seeds since every aspect of dutchman's pipe is toxic. Signs of poisoning in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, kidney failure, and possibly even death if not treated without delay. It is essential for dog owners to ensure that their pets cannot access dutchman's pipe and to seek prompt veterinary assistance if they suspect their dog has eaten any part of this plant.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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