Climbing Milkweed Plant Care

Climbing Milkweed (Zygostelma benthamii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Zygostelma genus. Climbing Milkweed is native to Southeast Asia.

Climbing Milkweed displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Climbing Milkweed produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Water a young or newly planted Climbing Milkweed every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

Zygostelma benthamii tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Climbing Milkweed prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Climbing Milkweed every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

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

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Climbing Milkweed can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Climbing Milkweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Climbing Milkweed can be propagated through stem cuttings, division of offsets.

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Climbing Milkweed is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, 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.