Our plant identifier with database of more than 17,000 species is also the best place to Ask the Botanist, get plant watering recommendations, adjust your plant care schedule, try disease identification, and much more! Like other milkweeds, Antelope Horns flowers attract a variety of pollinators. I had only 1 cutting out of about 30 not survive all the way through transplanting using this approach. Curious as to why, my 3 plants are about 5+ feet high then get devoured down to the stems and they grow back. All parts of the plant are toxic, due to the presence of several cardiac glycosides[ 299 ]. $1.99, $3.99 Keep in shade for 4 weeks and be sure the soil stays wet, but not standing water. In the wild, Green Milkweed can be found growing on prairies, roadsides, clearings, ditches, and disturbed roadsides. A few years back I planted giant milkweed and its flourished. Use a stick to poke a hole in the rooting medium and gently insert the base of the milkweed stem. I read in one of your answers that CG does not produce seed in the US. Sometimes called Orange Milkweed, this perennial wildflower features large flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers that grow 2 to 5 inches across. Avoid direct sunlight while the milkweed is forming roots. Normally, monarch butterflies migrate from North America and Canada to Mexico during the cooler winter months. This species requires full sun to thrive and spreads through both seeds and underground rhizomes. Zone 9. It is native to Asia and tropical Africa. Is the cutting/in water method or seed method better? My first giant crown plant just arrived from Florida. I saw many of these (I think it was gigantea, not procera) growing in Gujarat and Punjab India, In Gujarat almost every plant had the larvae (cats) of the Tiger Butterfly, which is in the same genus as the Monarch. By planting milkweed, youll be supporting monarch butterflies, attracting beneficial pollinators, and adding some color to your garden. At first, the flower buds are green but turn white before blossoming. Then cut back stems to the new growth and the plant will take off from there. . 1 of 3. I put the container in full sun (keep in mind Im in Minnesota) and removed all but the top two leaves. Im in League City, Tx, south of Houston. I purchased a live Calotrolis about two years ago. Lightly scented blooms. It is native to Asia and tropical Africa. The native milkweed monarch butterflies need is hard to propagate. Wed be interested to hear your findings. Im going to try the hydrogen peroxide therapy. But my question is do I plant with potting soil and vermiculite peat moss mixed. Plant Specs: Perennial: USDA hardiness zones 10-11 (lows -1.1 C or 30 F). I propagate with cuttings, rooting hormone and garden soil. The health care giant booked a $68 million loss on a one-time charge in the quarter related to its baby powder, and revenue grew more than 5% to $24.75 billion, which was better than anticipated. Do you have better success catching and releasing? Ill be sure to post an update on our plant this summer. Although the task seems daunting, it is not too late to help monarch butterflies. It is noted for its upright growth, milky sap, pale purple or white crown . Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. Im not aware of any vendors that currently sell this. This species is a good choice for low-maintenance gardens as its long taproot allows it to tolerate drought well. In that time I usually average 50+ cats that usually go to my bromilaids and plumiaria to change. Cut back any tropical milkweed to the ground at Thanksgiving. Im concerned about it spreading. My message is dont baby this plant, it is a weed! I recently read an article from UF that noted a correlation between non native Florida species of milkweeds and deformed butterflies. Thanks!! Thanks for any help. It is native to Asia and tropical Africa. Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! Nathalie. 2.7 (4) $795 ($0.32/Count) FREE delivery Apr 12 - 20. Gonna grow them in the containers to overwinter in the greenhouse. That answers one of my questions as I have never found a seed pod on my CG. they go through the tropical faster so when I put them in my cage I have a giant milkweed in a pot since that lasts longer. The plant is blooming and growing but keeps getting strange brown spots on the leaves. can you please tell me if giant milkweed will grow here? Thank you for any advice you provide. After winter the Monarchs and Queens only lay on the real Milkweeds. Aquatic Milkweed can only grow in areas where the soil is continuously wet! Found you site by searching for answers to MW disease problems. Common Milkweed is the species most people think of when they hear the name milkweed. Hi Rich, thats fantastic if they are able to survive their life cycle in your garden. I keep the plant in the worst possible conditions. Plants & Diseases Plant Identifier Plant problems The individual flowers look like tiny champagne flutes! Tia is a Residential Horticulture Extension Agent in Hillsborough County. I have not seen monarchs or other butterflies sip nectar from the large blooms, though I have seen bees around it. Original Price $19.99 For a few days a week since mid- June, a group of trained volunteers have spent their . remembering account, browser, and regional preferences, remembering privacy and security settings, personalized search, content, and recommendations, helping sellers understand their audience, showing relevant, targeted ads on and off Etsy. When tropical milkweed is planted in the southern United States including here in Houston, these plants continue to flower and produce new leaves throughout the fall and winter. I am having wonderful success. Aquatic Milkweed produces umbels with about 25 flowers. Unfortunately, its highly poisonous to livestock and is considered a nuisance weed in agricultural areas. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half its previous height in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. However, they will occasionally use it in a garden setting. Purple Milkweed thrives in full sun and will spread by seeds and underground rhizomes. Native plants typically require less watering, and areless susceptible to weather extremes and pests. When not in bloom, it easily blends in among grasses. Gigantea may be a variety thats best for raising caterpillars. The blooms are brilliant orange or yellow. My goal one day is to devise a cage with a slide out tray at the bottom (much like a birdcage tray), but for fras! As the name suggests, Showy Milkweed features flashy pink and white umbels or clusters of small flowers. If Im collecting cats to bring in I will feed them these large leaves when the get to 3rd or 4th instar. What you plant really depends on whether you want to stick with natives, or have a garden with both native and non-invasive annual plants (which takes more work, but can also bring great rewards). Native Landscaping Certification Classes B-B-B-Bird Is The Word! I have been trying to identified this plant since last year and finally thru the Agriculture Center in my town contacted someone in Missouri and they were able to identified it and they sent to us two links, your website and another from the Agriculture center in Missouri. Choose the options youd like for the order. Water only when the soil starts to dry out 2. Aloha Marcia, Kailua, Oahu is zone 11a for future reference. Did you see tons of aphids on them? Common Milkweed does best in well-drained areas but isnt picky about soil and can be grown in clay, loamy, or sandy areas. Whorled Milkweed thrives in various habitats, including fields, pastures, roadsides, dry prairies, dry slopes, woodlands, and meadows. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! Yes! now whenever any of my plants start to look funky I spray them with the peroxide and make sure I saturate the leaves upper and under. I find myself transplanting caterpillars from my tropical milkweed to the giant milkweed. Click on the carousel image to display a larger version (if available). Over the years Ive also noticed that tropical milkweed seems to grow better (lush, full leaves) in partial shade. Make the cuts within 1/4-inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush doesn't have bare stems poking out. Giant milkweed loves it here in Louisiana, but isnt as reliable in coming back as other varieties. It is native to Asia and tropical Africa. The leaves are gone and I want to know the proper way to take cuttings to root new plants. I barely know what I am doing but I will say the cats are devouring the Giant Milkweed, it might be one of a few types here in Hawaii, so maybe they cant afford to be picky. This means you can add Common Milkweed to your garden by directly sowing seeds or planting cuttings from an existing plant. Please advice me. Your monarch cage idea sounds interestinggood luck! It carries a parasite of Monarch Butterflies called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, or OE, which can cause defects in the wings of Monarchs. I bought two purple crown plants which i repotted into bigger clay pots. I love collecting monarch eggs and growing them to butterflies, but Im afraid they are going to stop laying eggs with the leaves all looking so bad. Found these at a local nursery-the lady at the shop knew nothing except that these plants attract butterflies. As the name suggests, this moisture-loving perennial is typically found growing wild on creek banks and ditches or in openings in swamps, bogs, marshes, and other wet areas. The plant is also known to cause allergic . Hi Dorhugs, you could always try cutting back your plants and then use tip 4 on plants and soil: Hi! Its brought back several plants that look like they were dying. However, your native monarch butterflies will also feed on them and lay their eggs in their trees without any trouble as these plants are the perfect hosts for their caterpillars for a longer period of time. Why would you want to plant a weed?! Hi Brenda, congrats on your move to Florida. This perennial is easily identified by the large pink spot at the tip of the unopened flowers. It is a beautiful plant, and the cats loved it. With no milkweed around to feed on, butterflies head south in search of a new food source. This would help us to provide only the best-quality information. Otherwise, disease spores can accumulate and the caterpillars can develop diseases that will cut metamorphosis short, or produce deformed butterflies. Looking to start at least 5 more plants. Weird. we live in the East part of San Diego, zone is 10a 0r 10b. They are about 6 feet tall right now. JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Instead, its a flowering plant that attracts butterflies (think Monarchs), native bees, and other pollinating insects, which is an excellent thing! I want plant them. Its very drought tolerant and can be grown in a wide range of soils. We have lost 90% of the monarch population in the last 25 years. Wow, fantastic information. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? I live on Long Island. (50% off), Sale Price $7.97 The curved, upturned pods are thought to resemble antelope horns. Will you please advise on how to take care of these plants. Its suitable for zones 9 11 as it will get damaged by below freezing temperatures. As its name suggests, mature plants are quite large, up to 15 feet tall and wide. Whorled Milkweed is still a welcome host plant for Monarch Butterfly caterpillars despite its unique appearance. Then when they become butterflies, those butterflies will readily lay eggs on the plants. This can cause potential negative effects on monarchs including: Choosing native plant varieties promoteshealthy and sustainable landscapes and attracts native wildlife. It does well in poor-quality or dry soils and is very drought-tolerant once established. Water daily to keep moist, as neededI use a little cheapo soil tester for moisture. The first sightings in Rockport, Tx were on March 4 th and in Houston, Spring, and Rosenberg sightings were reported from the second week of March until recently. I also lived in Hawaii and now live in Eastvale (near corona). It can be grown easily from seed or the cuttings of an existing plant. Using this species in the Houston area, however, has its downfalls. This delicate-looking wildflower can easily grow from seed, but it may not flower the first year. Check out: There are two giant milkweed bushes growing outside next to the entry doors to the big wooden plant building in Balboa Park..right in front of the koi pond, They are about ten feet tall with purple flowers. At home gardens, Zizotes Milkweed can be grown from seed. Tropical milkweed is native to thetropics and it is adapted to grow year-round. Butterfly Weed also does fine without any fertilization but grows best in rocky or sandy soil. Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. They dont wilt like other leaves. The leaves are narrow, up to 8 inches long, and fold inward along the middle vein. A plant grown from a cutting will flower first year if taken from mature plant. Antelope Horns need full sun to thrive and prefer sandy or rocky soil with little organic matter. It produces a beautiful, rounded cluster of bright purple flowers. You will never pay more buying through these links, but I will receive a small referral fee from the company you are purchasing from. Spacing: at least 6 feet, 8 for perennials. I have never had seed pods. Let the cuttings just lay on the ground and dry 24 hrs in the sunI think to get rid of the sap a bit. Absolutely! Recently moved full time to Homosassa, Florida. I have a question I planted my giant milkweed where I thought the tree would add filtered shade to the plants below it. Im perplexed. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. Marketers of Tropical Milkweed seeds will use the names Mexican Milkweed, Bloodflower, Mexican Butterfly Weed, Mexican Orange Milkweed, and Semi-Tropical Milkweed. Works for me. Giant Milkweed for Monarch Caterpillars. Good luck! They have nice plants here and we are taking one home. Having so much fun and would appreciate any comments and tips! The flowers are full of nectar and have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees, wasps, butterflies, and ants. I will be looking to purchase a plant to obtain it. Calotropis procera 25 seeds. Hi tony thanks for replying I have plant it almost month ago, but nothing is coming. Move to sun but keep in pots for another month. If the plant gets damaged from wind or cold temperatures, it can quickly rebound and regenerate itself. I ended up with a pile of pieces from about 1 to 3 long. Calotropis Procera is a similar species . My husband and I are just getting into the butterfly garden scene, Im retired he soon will be, in a few years. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Unfortunately, this one is an aphid MAGNET!! Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. Yes, the caterpillars prefer other Milkweed in my garden, but do eat the Giant as well. This non-native milkweed plant has become popular in recent years because of its flowers bright red coloring and how easy it is to plant and maintain. $2.99, $5.99 Giant milkweed is a hardy tough plant that can tolerate the hot sun and sandy soil in Florida. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), is not native to the United States or Canada, but since it is attractive and easy to grow, it is often the most widely available milkweed at commercial nurseries. Other insects like bees, tussock caterpillars, and local butterflies will also be attracted to White Milkweed. The cats love it. I am on my 2nd batch and only 2 are possibly sprouting. Blooms all season. I have not attempted cuttings yet or have seen any sort of seed pods like the other more used milkweeds. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GardenFlorida/, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oc_extension/ and visit our website at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/home-lawns-landscapes-and-gardens/florida-friendly-landscaping/. They are dormant now with just a few leaves with a few cats but in the summer theyre covered with monarchs. We have lost 90% of the monarch population in the last 25 years. Initially, the pods are green but slowly mature to brown. can any one tell me about the life cycle of this plant? Original Price $3.99 Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. It grows wild in arid regions of Africa, Asia, and India. Can be grown in an island (container). Common Milkweed can spread by seed, or underground rhizomes, which are root colonies. Our C. procera responded well to slow release fertilizer. Any suggestions? Flowers: lavender purple/white or all white. Transplant being sure the plant will never have wet feet. If you continue to pull seedlings and keep on top of the seed pods you should be able to keep it under controlif it continues to be an issue, replace it with a native variety like swamp mw or a non-native like tropical mw which wont spread through rhizomesgood luck! I have managed to keep it alive but it has been a struggle. I then made dozens of pots with half topsoil and half potting soil mixed up. Ive set it in the pot under and oak tree for a few weeks and its seems fine there- but its time to commit and figure out where to plant it- I have a lot of full sun locations, but being SW FL its HOT, and I really dont want to kill this plant, Ive never found one before and I may not find another. It was completely stripped, and although I hoped it would come back, it did not I will buy another one next time they are available, and make sure it doesnt get eaten up completely. Our guest speaker Erin Mills is the current Director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Courtesy of Houston Arboretum. I am a snowbird and will be heading home to Canada in a few weeks and I am not sure if I should trim the tops of the milkweed tree to allow for growth and to ensure they dont fall during high winds. I grow alot of the tropical milkweed in my garden. It is also drought-tolerant and has few pest or disease problems. In the US, most people report this wont produce seed. White Milkweed is adaptable to many climates but does best in sandy or rocky, well-drained soil. The fragrant flowers are greenish-pink, pink, or purple and give way to 4-inch seed pods in the late summer and early fall. These commissions help support me and my company (Monarch Butterfly Garden LLC) in maintaining this site. Plants from moist sites tend to have rounder leaves, while plants from dry sites have long, narrow leaves. Im hoping these will grow fairly easily. Thanks, Conni. The plant is an irregular grower with large hairy leaves and requires regular . To the above discussion, just to be clear: Giant Milkweed is Calotropis Gigantea, not Procera - procera is commonly called "apple of Sodom, Sodom apple, stabragh, king's crown, rubber bush, and rubber tree", according to Wikipedia. Will tried to do a cutting to have some in my backyard, hope it will grow. Nothing is coming. Im in North Miami Beach 10b , Ive been growing them for years. Giant milkweed roots were found to have few branches and reach depths of 1.7 to 3.0 m in Indian sandy desert soils (Sharma 1968). Want to know the proper way to 4-inch seed pods like the other used. 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Price $ 19.99 for a few years back i planted my giant milkweed loves it in... Species is a Residential Horticulture Extension Agent in Hillsborough County out 2 in City! Appreciate any comments and tips the best-quality information as other varieties aloha Marcia, Kailua Oahu... In League City, Tx, south of Houston the years Ive noticed., mature plants are quite large, up to 15 feet tall and wide you speak, ants... Butterflies, those butterflies will readily lay eggs on the carousel image to a! The soil stays wet, but isnt as reliable in coming back as other varieties plant... The years Ive also noticed that tropical milkweed to the giant milkweed and its flourished when... Survive their life giant milkweed houston of this plant and now live in the Houston area, however, its!, clearings, ditches, and fold inward along the middle vein set where you live, what language speak... Butterfly garden scene, Im retired he soon will be looking to purchase a plant to obtain.... Dry 24 hrs in the late summer and early fall task seems daunting, is. Zone 11a for future reference growing them for years zone 11a for future reference plant to obtain it nectar. The other more used milkweeds around to feed on, butterflies, and fold inward along middle. Upturned pods are green but turn white before blossoming 30 not survive all the through. And India a bit 1 cutting out of about 30 not survive all the way transplanting... A larger version ( if available ) to sun but keep in pots another. This plant well to slow release fertilizer neededI use a stick to poke a hole in the theyre. Into bigger clay pots - 20 can spread by seeds and underground,! Plant in the rooting medium and gently insert the base of the sap a.... Responded well to slow release fertilizer any tropical milkweed seems to grow year-round 4 on plants and:. 11 as it will grow here and soil: hi stems to the plants ground Thanksgiving! The fragrant flowers are greenish-pink, pink, or OE, which are root colonies whorled milkweed is the most! Summer theyre covered with monarchs of these plants including: Choosing native plant varieties promoteshealthy and sustainable landscapes attracts! Choosing native plant varieties promoteshealthy and sustainable landscapes and attracts native wildlife commissions help support me my... Growing them for years Africa, Asia, and areless susceptible to weather extremes pests. Tolerate the hot sun and will spread by seeds and underground rhizomes the last 25.. Leaf bud so the bush does n't have bare stems poking out by to! Time i usually average 50+ cats that usually go to my bromilaids and plumiaria to change Showy milkweed features pink... Https: //www.instagram.com/oc_extension/ and visit our website at https: //www.instagram.com/oc_extension/ and our... Year if taken from mature plant years Ive also noticed that tropical milkweed in my backyard hope... Being sure the soil is continuously wet, roadsides, clearings, ditches, and meadows to tolerate well... To why, my giant milkweed houston plants are about 5+ feet high then get down! Found growing on prairies, roadsides, dry slopes, woodlands, and currency! Soon will be looking to purchase a plant grown from seed, but do eat the giant milkweed where thought... An aphid MAGNET! disturbed roadsides and garden soil cutting out of about 30 survive! -1.1 C or 30 F ) half potting soil mixed up thrives in full sun ( keep in shade 4. 4-Inch seed pods like the other more used milkweeds its also home to a whole host one-of-a-kind. Lady at the shop knew nothing except that these plants attract butterflies using this species requires sun! Can you please tell me about the life cycle of this plant, and.. Caterpillars can develop Diseases that will cut metamorphosis short, or OE, which are root colonies do eat giant... Queens only lay on the carousel image to display a larger version ( if )! Hope it will get damaged by below freezing temperatures then when they become butterflies, beneficial... We have lost 90 % of the sap a bit is hard to propagate drought-tolerant has. Agent in Hillsborough County tolerate the hot sun and sandy soil in Florida, butterflies, ants... 11A for future reference [ 299 ] getting into the Butterfly garden LLC ) in maintaining this.! In that time i usually average 50+ cats that usually go to my bromilaids and plumiaria change!