Pest identification
What's eating my giant dutchman's pipe?
Pipevine swallowtail / Battus caterpillars
Signs: Rapid, large-scale defoliation by orange-black caterpillars; stems left bare in heavy outbreaks
Control: Tolerate or relocate caterpillars to additional host plants; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, bronzed leaves with fine webbing, especially in hot dry conditions indoors
Control: Increase humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; rinse foliage regularly
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Remove by hand; spray insecticidal soap solution; hose down with water
Keep giant dutchman's pipe pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Giant Dutchman's pipe pests — FAQ
What is eating my giant dutchman's pipe?
Giant Dutchman's pipe is a tropical Aristolochia grown in warm gardens and conservatories. Like its relatives, it hosts pipevine swallowtail and related Battus butterfly caterpillars that can defoliate it quickly. Spider mites pose a risk indoors or in dry climates. The plant rebounds well from caterpillar feeding.
How do I get rid of pipevine swallowtail / battus caterpillars on giant dutchman's pipe?
Rapid, large-scale defoliation by orange-black caterpillars; stems left bare in heavy outbreaks Tolerate or relocate caterpillars to additional host plants; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects
How do I get rid of spider mites on giant dutchman's pipe?
Stippled, bronzed leaves with fine webbing, especially in hot dry conditions indoors Increase humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; rinse foliage regularly
How do I get rid of aphids on giant dutchman's pipe?
Soft colonies on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Remove by hand; spray insecticidal soap solution; hose down with water