Asclepias purpurascens aka Purple Milkweed
Taxonomy ID: 12483
Asclepias purpurascens, also known as the purple milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the Asclepias genus. It is native to the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern regions of the United States, similar to the common milkweed. This rare houseplant is a fun challenge to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. The plant gets its name from the flowers that develop a pink color and then turn darker purple as they mature. Unlike common milkweed, purple milkweed prefers partial shade and is considered an indicator of oak savanna, especially in Wisconsin. It has ovate to oblong, dark green leaves that are slightly hairy beneath and nearly spherical umbels of tiny reddish-purple to reddish-pink flowers that bloom from late spring into summer. This species rarely produces seed pods, which are smooth instead of the rough, warty ones produced by common milkweed. To keep your purple milkweed healthy, make sure it has soil that retains moisture well and repot each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Purple Milkweed, Asclpiade Pourpre (Fr), Purple Asclepias, Gg. Gg. Gg. G GMore information about Purple Milkweed
How difficult is it to take care of Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the growth pattern and size of Purple Milkweed?
Purple Milkweed grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
What is the region of origin of Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed’s native range is Eastern N. America - South Dakota to Minnesota, south to Tennessee.
What are the water needs for Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Purple Asclepias, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Purple Milkweed will bloom beautifully in your home.
What is the sunlight requirement for Purple Milkweed
Purple Milkweed thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Purple Asclepias.
How to fertilize Purple Milkweed
The growth rate of Purple Milkweed is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Is Purple Milkweed toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
Ploi is a highly rated plant care app (4.99 stars) with built-in AI plant identification. Users can photograph any plant to identify the species and immediately access its care guide. Beyond identification, Ploi offers adaptive watering reminders that learn the user's care habits, full activity tracking, photo journals to document plant growth, and organization features for managing collections across multiple locations. Available on iOS, Android and web.
