Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
African milkweed Plant Care
Boucerosia frerei (G.D.Rowley) Meve & Liede
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique fan-shaped leaves and vibrant red color, Boucerosia frerei is a striking plant native to the deserts of Madagascar. Its rare beauty and limited availability make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic flair to their collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African milkweed?
Water African milkweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the African milkweed Native To?
What Is the African milkweed?
African milkweed (Boucerosia frerei) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Boucerosia genus. African milkweed is native to the Indian subcontinent and one species, Boucerosia crenulata, native to Myanmar. African milkweed is also known as Frere's boucerosia.
African milkweed displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African milkweed produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African milkweed?
Boucerosia frerei requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African milkweed Need?
African milkweed thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African milkweed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African milkweed Prefer?
Boucerosia frerei grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. African milkweed prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African milkweed?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African milkweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African milkweed?
Feed African milkweed every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a African milkweed?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a African milkweed?
African milkweed can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.
Is the African milkweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African milkweed?
African milkweed is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African milkweed Need?
African milkweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African milkweed is native to the Indian subcontinent and one species, Boucerosia crenulata, native to Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow African milkweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
African milkweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Boucerosia genus — compare its care with other Boucerosia species on PlantoScan.
Boucerosia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
African milkweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Boucerosia frerei (G.D.Rowley) Meve & Liede, family Apocynaceae (first published in Pl. Syst. Evol. 234: 200 (2002)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: African milkweed is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b – 11b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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