Asclepias purpurascens aka Purple Milkweed

Taxonomy

Genus Asclepias Family Apocynaceae Order Gentianales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
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

How to care for Purple Milkweed

Difficulty

Purple Milkweed presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Purple Milkweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Purple Milkweed prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Growth-pattern

Purple Milkweed grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Purple Milkweed’s native range is Eastern N. America - South Dakota to Minnesota, south to Tennessee.

More info:
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More Species in Asclepias Genus

Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias viridiflora Green Antelopehorn Milkweed

Asclepias glaucescens Nodding Milkweed

Asclepias mexicana

Asclepias subulata Rush Milkweed

Asclepias californica California Milkweed

Asclepias cinerea Carolina Milkweed

Asclepias latifolia Broadleaf Milkweed

Asclepias curtissii Curtiss' Milkweed

Asclepias mellodora Rush Milkweed