growing tropical milkweed in containers

Use a large plastic container for ease of moving and winter storage. Use a light-colored one that is deep, as root systems of milkweed plants can grow large. Some have large taproots. A rich and well-draining soil encourages best performance of the plants.

Does milkweed need sun or shade?

Most milkweed species evolved in open areas where they were exposed to full sunlight and they will do best if they are planted in the sunniest areas of your gardens. A few species, such as A. purpurascens, appear to require partial shade.

Why is tropical milkweed bad?

In warm parts of the country, if tropical milkweed persists long enough so that multiple generations of monarchs can lay eggs on the same plants, this results in the build-up of OE spores on the milkweed leaves and the transmission of parasites to caterpillars.

Does tropical milkweed come back?

Tropical milkweed, unlike our native milkweeds that die back in late fall, will continue to grow through the winter unless killed by a hard freeze. Even if the cold kills the stems, it may regrow quickly from the roots.

Is Tropical Milkweed invasive?

Tropical milkweed has been an invasive species in Central and South Florida for a while now. The fast growth and prolific re-seeding of this species has remained unchecked by warm winters, resulting in large monocultures of tropical milkweed in natural areas. This replaces native plants and disrupts native ecosystems.

Where should I plant my milkweed?

Plant in full sun locations. Soil: There is a Milkweed variety for every landscape. Common Milkweed grows well in average garden soil. Swamp Milkweed, as its name implies, will do best in a moist environment, making it great for wet meadows or rain gardens.

Does milkweed come back every year?

Perennial milkweeds grow back year after year. They provide habitat for traveling Monarch butterflies. If the milkweed is a perennial, like Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) pictured above, you'll notice tiny leaves growing from the base of the plant at some point after the upper stems have been consumed.

Which milkweed is bad for monarchs?

In addition to the concerns over OE and disruption of migration behavior, emerging research suggests that tropical milkweed may actually become toxic to monarch caterpillars when the plants are exposed to the warmer temperatures associated with climate change.

Which milkweed is not invasive?

Swamp milkweed is not invasive as some other milkweeds are and is well behaved in the garden.

Is all milkweed good for butterflies?

Despite milkweed's status as the only monarch butterfly host plant, there are many different species of milkweeds that monarchs can use to raise their young. While some species have been found to be preferred over others, all members of the genus Asclepias can be used as a monarch butterfly host plant.

Should milkweed be cut back in the fall?

It is recommended to prune the milkweed stalks to about 6 inches in height during the fall and winter months to discourage monarchs from establishing winter-breeding colonies. ... Re-cut the milkweed every few weeks as leaves re-sprout.

How do you care for a tropical milkweed?

This species grows best in full sun. It is somewhat drought tolerant, although it grows best with consistent moisture. Asclepias curassavica self-seeds readily. Tropical milkweed can be grown from cuttings, but it is quite easy to start from seeds.

How do you propagate tropical milkweed?

Caring for cuttings: Place milkweed cuttings in a shady area outside. Avoid direct sunlight while the milkweed is forming roots. Gently spray the soil and leaves daily, making sure the rooting medium doesn't dry out. Using recycled 2-liter bottles as mini-greenhouses can help retain moisture on hot summer days.

Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

How tall does milkweed grow?

This milkweed grows to about 1.5 meters(5 feet) tall, usually occurring in clusters of stout stems. It has rhizomes and quickly forms colonies. Leaves are 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 5-9 centimeters (2-3.6 inches) wide. They are somewhat thick with a prominent midrib beneath.

How do you keep milkweed from spreading?

If you already have common milkweed in the garden, you can prevent further spread by removing immature seed pods. Since milkweed is a perennial, it will emerge again in the same spot next summer, but its spread will be more limited.

Does milkweed need a lot of water?

Water. Common milkweed does not need watering except in the driest conditions.

What grows well with milkweed?

Verbena Bonariensis with Any Milkweed Variety. ...
Blue Tweedia with Dwarf Butterfly Bush. ...
Purple Salvia with Butterfly Weed. ...
Mistflower with Shorter Milkweed Varieties. ...
Butterfly Weed with Tropical Milkweed. ...
Swamp Milkweed with Swamp Milkweed 'ice ballet' ...
Whorled Milkweed with Spider Milkweed.

Is milkweed poisonous if you touch it?

Milkweed is a poisonous plant that can cause severe sickness or death if it is ingested by humans and animals. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the milky sap contains the highest concentration of poison. Keep pets and people out of the area you are spraying to protect them from exposure to dicamba.

Does milkweed flower the first year?

In general, milkweed may not flower in the first year of growth, because it is investing its resources in growing a strong root system. ... Luckily, monarchs will lay their eggs on milkweed even if it is not flowering! The caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant, so your milkweed can still be a host plant without flowers.

What if Monarch caterpillars run out of milkweed?

Most enthusiasts have found most success with butternut squash as a substitute for milkweed leaves. Some of the other vegetables that have successfully been fed to Monarch caterpillars in the last instar (last few days) are cucumber, zucchini, and pumpkin.

How long do milkweed plants live?

There are over 100 species of milkweed in North America and the diversity of foliage and flower color is quite amazing. All milkweeds are herbaceous perennials, meaning they live for more than two years. In fact, most milkweeds will live for several years if cared for properly.