Tropical milkweed, also called bloodflower, has showy red and orange flowers that attract pollinators.
As pretty as it is, tropical milkweed has a few downsides to consider before planting.
This plant can also become weedy, reseeding itself prolifically.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Here’s what to know if you want to grow tropical milkweed.
Milkweed is toxic to humans and petsif ingested so plant it out of reach.
Tropical milkweed has a taproot and the younger the plant, the better it will tolerate transplanting.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery pot and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Keep it watered for at least one week, or until the plant has visibly grown.
Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
Once it is established, it can tolerate dry conditions but does better with consistent moisture.
The best-known New England asters have flowers with purplish rays and yellowish centers.Credit: Kevin Dutton
Temperature and Humidity
As the name says, it is a tropical plant that wont survive frost.
It does not have any specific humidity needs or dislikes.
Fertilizer
Tropical milkweed does not need fertilizer.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It can even grow in nutrient-poor soils.
Pruning
Pinching the young plants to encourage branching with more flower clusters is optional.
Choose a container with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Keep in mind that container plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.
Repotting of annual tropical milkweed wont be necessary.
Even if your winters are mild and the plant remains green, dont leave it outdoors.
In the mid to late summer, you might also find orange and black milkweed bugs on the plants.
Tropical milkweed is deer-resistant.
How to Propagate Tropical Milkweed
Tropical milkweed is best propagated from seed.
Soaking the hard seeds in water for 24 hours before planting improves germination.
Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in potting mix and keep them evenly moist.
Germination takes place in 2 to 3 weeks.
Harden the young plants off before transplanting them outside after the last spring frost.
It reaches 3 to 4 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in width.
Red Butterflies Tropical Milkweed
Asclepias curassavica’Red Butterflies' has clusters of scarlet-red and yellow flowers.
It is slightly smaller than the other cultivars, growing 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
After the bloom, the seeds make a nutritious snack for finches and other small birds.
you’ve got the option to overwinter potted milkweed by bringing it indoors for the winter.
Treat it like a houseplant that needs bright light.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Milkweed Plant Can Cause Serious Poisoning.National Capital Poison Center.
“University of Florida Extension.
