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4.5 out of 5 (2 experiences)

Also known as
Butterfly flower, Silkweed, Silky swallow-wort and Virginia silkweed
Taxonomy
Asclepias syriaca
Asclepias
Apocynaceae
Gentianales

How to care for Common Milkweed

How often to water your Common Milkweed

every 9
Common Milkweed needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Common Milkweed in your home

a window
Common Milkweed love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Common Milkweed does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Common Milkweed in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Common Milkweed

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Common Milkweed after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Common Milkweed is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Common Milkweed prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Common Milkweed requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Common Milkweed is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Soil
Common Milkweed is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Fertilizer
Common Milkweed grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Common Milkweed grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Common Milkweed can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Care Summary for Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

