Dutchmans Pipe?

[Mark Pepper]

Duncan, yep that exactly the one i was talking about, thatks for the info.

Kyle, sounds like a plan...next time ill make sure i know what im talking about too lol...no pics of that one either

[Duncan]

Kyle,

I couldn't find a picture but the latin name is Dicentra cucullaria

Duncan

[Kyle Barker]

ok thanks. Ill have to ask around at some garden stores, ill take any excuse to order me up some plants

[Duncan]

O.K., now its my turn to get mixed up. The Dicentra cucullaria is commonly called Dutchman's Breeches. Sorry for any confusion. I didn't realize that Dutchman accessorized so much!

DuncaN

[Kyle Barker]

LOL, good point

[Kyle Barker]

I loked at the Indian Pipe in hte audobin book. Here is what it says about that living off of roots thing:

These plants were once beleived to absorb all nutrients from the duff, but it is now known that they are associated with a fungus, which obtains nutrients directly from hte roots of green plants. Indian Pipe, therefor, is more of a parasite, with the fungus as a "bridge" between it and its host.

Not too specific but it gives you an idea.

kyle

[Mark Pepper]

hey kyle, thanks for posting that, i thought i read something like like that, nice to know i was not too far off...I dodnt know its relationship with the fungus and then roots was so complex, very interesting.
thanks again,

[havenbounce]

Aristolochia elegans is an evergreen vine with unusual flowers and heart shaped leaves. Calico flower is native to Brazil.

Blooming Time: Flowers are produced throughout the growing season. Flowers look almost like an old night cap or like pipes with elegantly curved stems.

Culture: Aristolochia elegans like to grow in a light and airy place, but not in direct sunlight. Keep summer temperature from 68-78 degrees and winter temperature above 50 degrees. Water regularly during the growth period, once or twice a week. Water no more than once a week during winter. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every third watering throughout the growing season. Calico flowers grow best in rich, well-drained soil. Young plants need to be repotted every other year, older plants every 3-5 years. Cut back in fall after blooming.

Propagation: Aristolochia elegans is best propagated by cuttings, but it can be grown from seeds. Take cuttings in fall when flowering is nearly completed. Softwood cuttings should be 4 to 5 inches long. Treat with rooting hormones and place them in a fast draining propagating mix. Put them in a warm place, preferably with bottom heat. Softwood cuttings must be kept moist. Start seeds by soaking in water for 48 hours and surface sow them. Seeds need light to germinate

[Kyle Barker]

Thats perfect!!! Thank you for posting this, really helps

kyle

[unknownclown]

I have a couple aristolochia elegans here that I am growing. Outta curiosity I was wondering what sorta cage you would be putting them in . They are very toxic/poisonous plants I found this warning on a site after a search,
Many Aristolochias contain the alkaloid aristolochine and other components - consider all of these plants highly toxic and avoid their use. Incorrect doses can cause vomiting, pain and even death.
I just thought you should know if you havent came across it yet and were planning on putting crickets or anything else that may eat it and transfer poisons to your pets.
I bought mine for my balconey but since I have a 2 year old and rabbits running around on my deck I cant use it for what I bought it for.

[Kyle Barker]

Holy crap, its a good thing they are hard to come by. I havnt even gotten them yet. Yes i was going to use them in a day gek cage, but then the crix would have eatin them. Thank you very much for the warning.

kyle

[Burmies]

I sometimes use fake ones, but never use real ones.

Burmies

[Kyle Barker]

Fake look ok, but to me the plants are just as important as the animals.

[Emily-Fisher]

Those plants usually grow around near trees and are very hard to keep in vivariums. Also, some of those plants only bloom for 2 or 3 days every few years! Maybe your plant is one of those.