Milkweed Plant Care

Milkweed (Funastrum clausum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Funastrum genus. Milkweed is native to southern Florida and Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America as far south as Paraguay.

Milkweed displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Milkweed produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Funastrum clausum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Milkweed thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Milkweed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Funastrum clausum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Milkweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Milkweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Milkweed every 2 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Milkweed can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to milkweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Milkweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Milkweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Milkweed is native to southern Florida and Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America as far south as Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Milkweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.