Asclepias tuberosa aka Butterfly Milkweed

Taxonomy

Asclepias tuberosa, also known as butterfly weed, is a tuberous, hairy perennial native to eastern and southwestern North America. This species is popularly referred to as butterfly weed due to its vibrant orange-red, sometimes orange or yellow flowers that attract butterflies with their copious production of nectar. It blooms from midsummer to early autumn and produces fruit afterwards. Another member of the Asclepias genus is Rolfs' Milkweed, a relatively rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light within a foot of a window. This plant, native to the Eastern and Southern United States, benefits from soil that retains moisture and does not usually require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size.

Common names

Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root

How to care for Butterfly Milkweed

Difficulty

Caring for Butterfly Milkweed is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

When growing Butterfly Milkweed, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Butterfly Milkweed with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Butterfly Milkweed from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Butterfly Weed regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Butterfly Milkweed will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Butterfly Milkweed prefers bright indirect 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

Butterfly Milkweed is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Butterfly Milkweed is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Butterfly Milkweed as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Butterfly Milkweed’s native range is N. America - S. Ontario and New York to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado.


More info:
Wikipedia