Asclepias viridis aka Antelope Horns

Taxonomy

Asclepias viridis, also known as green milkweed, green antelopehorn, and spider milkweed, is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family. The plant is native to the midwestern, southcentral, and southeastern United States, as well as to the southeastern portion of the western United States. A. viridis is a perennial herb with alternately arranged leaves and a taproot system. Its inflorescence is an umbel of white flowers with purplish centers. The plant is common in overgrazed pasture land and roadsides, and can grow on many types of soil. As for its growth habits, Green Antelopehorn is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow, thriving with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and doesn't require added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Overall, A. viridis is a unique and versatile plant with both wild and domesticated applications.

Common names

Antelope Horns, Green Antelopehorn, Green Milkweed, Spider Milkweed

How to care for Antelope Horns

Difficulty

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

Water

Antelope Horns should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Antelope Horns is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Green Milkweed is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Antelope Horns with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Antelope Horns with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Antelope Horns 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 Green Milkweed.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Antelope Horns to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Antelope Horns grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Antelope Horns grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia