Photo: Matt BCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Kalloo Plant Care
Aristolochia acuminata Lam.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With their heart-shaped leaves and striking maroon and yellow coloration, this plant originates from the southeastern United States. Plant collectors are drawn to Aristolochia acuminata for its unique appearance and the challenge of cultivating its rare species in their collections.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kalloo?
Water Kalloo every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Kalloo Native To?
What Is the Kalloo?
Kalloo (Aristolochia acuminata) belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family within the Aristolochia genus. Kalloo is native to Asia and Malesia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and northern Australia. Kalloo is also known as Kallu.
Kalloo displays a twining vine growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Kalloo produces unusual, pipe-shaped flowers with intricate patterns.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kalloo?
Aristolochia acuminata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kalloo Need?
Kalloo thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Kalloo in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kalloo Prefer?
Aristolochia acuminata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Kalloo prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kalloo?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Kalloo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kalloo?
Feed Kalloo every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Kalloo?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Kalloo?
Kalloo can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to european birthwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kalloo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Kalloo?
Kalloo is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Kalloo Need?
Kalloo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Kalloo is native to Asia and Malesia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Kalloo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Kalloo is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aristolochia genus — compare its care with other Aristolochia species on PlantoScan.
Aristolochia is part of the Aristolochiaceae plant family — browse all Aristolochiaceae genera and species.
Kalloo copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Aristolochia Species
Other Aristolochia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aristolochia acuminata Lam., family Aristolochiaceae (first published in Encycl. 1: 254 (1783)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Kalloo is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Matt B, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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