Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Also known as: Mexican milkweed, Narrow-leaf milkweed

Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is crucial for Monarch Butterflies, as they rely on its nectar for sustenance. In return, Monarchs help pollinate this plant, aiding its reproduction. Additionally, the seedpods of narrowleaf milkweed are excellent for dried flower arrangements, adding a unique touch.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Narrowleaf milkweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray

Flower Size

10 cm to 12 cm

Flower Color

Pink White Purple

Images of Narrowleaf milkweed

Quickly Identify Narrowleaf milkweed

Perennial reaching 2-3 feet, with narrow mid-green leaves in fascicles.

Rose-pink flowers in 2-inch clusters bloom during summer.

Dormant in winter, re-emerges in mid-spring to survive dry conditions.

Adaptable to various soil types, stands 60-91 cm tall and wide.

Scientific Classification of Narrowleaf milkweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentianales

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkweeds

Species

Narrowleaf milkweed

Planting and Growing of Narrowleaf milkweed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Narrowleaf milkweed?

For Asclepias fascicularis, the key is to simulate its natural habitat. This plant prefers a moderate amount of water, about 500 ml each time. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This approach helps mimic the conditions it naturally thrives in, providing just enough moisture for healthy growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Narrowleaf milkweed? ›

What should I do if my Narrowleaf milkweed is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Narrowleaf milkweed? ›

How to save an overwatered Narrowleaf milkweed? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Narrowleaf milkweed?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours

Asclepias fascicularis thrives best in environments offering full to partial sun. The ideal light promotes vigorous growth, vibrant blossoms, and maximizes the milkweed's ecological benefits as a pollinator attractant.

What is the best light setting? ›

How to adapt the lighting indoors? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Narrowleaf milkweed?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 80℉

The ideal temperature range for Asclepias fascicularis helps ensure optimal growth and bloom. Ranging between 65-80°F, this range provides a conducive environment for photosynthesis and energy production, critical for the development of healthy foliage and flowers.

What Soil is Best for Narrowleaf milkweed?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Asclepias fascicularis thrives in well-drained soil that prevents root rot and ensures healthy growth. Good drainage allows for proper air circulation and nutrient uptake, crucial for the plant's overall health. The plant benefits from nutrient-rich soil that supports its growth phase and helps in developing vibrant foliage. Enriched soils with organic matter provide a steady supply of essential nutrients, enhancing the plant's resilience and beauty. Maintaining moderate moisture in the soil is key for Asclepias fascicularis, as it prefers neither overly dry nor overly wet conditions. Balanced moisture levels keep the roots healthy and help the plant to establish more robustly in its environment.

How to Fertilize Narrowleaf milkweed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Asclepias fascicularis, use a balanced N-P-K 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer at one-quarter strength. Apply about 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer in a diluted form per gallon of water during the growing season.

How to Prune Narrowleaf milkweed?

Pruning Time: Autumn, Winter

Begin by identifying and removing any dead or damaged stems. These are often brown and may easily snap. Clearing these helps to encourage more productive growth in the spring. After removing the dead stems, focus on shaping the plant by trimming away any unruly branches. Try to maintain a rounded, bush-like shape to ensure even light distribution and growth.

How to Propagate Narrowleaf milkweed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer, Late spring

Begin by soaking the seeds overnight to encourage germination. This process helps in softening the seed coat, ensuring quicker and more uniform germination once planted in seed trays.

Place the seeds on the soil surface in the trays, covering them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Ensure the trays are placed in a warm, sunny location, maintaining consistent moisture but avoiding waterlogging.

Cut 4-6 inch stems from a healthy parent plant, just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower part to prevent rotting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to facilitate root growth.

How to Repot Narrowleaf milkweed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Asclepias fascicularis should occur when you notice the plant's growth is stunted, roots are emerging from drainage holes, or the soil no longer drains effectively. These signs indicate the plant needs more space or fresh soil.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with ample drainage holes. This allows roots to expand, prevents waterlogging, and supports healthy growth by avoiding root rot.

Use a well-draining sandy soil mix to provide adequate aeration and prevent water retention. This type of soil mimics the natural habitat of Asclepias fascicularis and helps maintain healthy root function.

Toxicity of Narrowleaf milkweed

Is Narrowleaf milkweed toxic to humans?

Every component of the narrowleaf milkweed possesses cardenolides, which are known to be moderately to severely toxic when consumed. The sap of the plant is the most hazardous part. Indications of narrowleaf milkweed poisoning may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and disorientation. In extreme cases, ingestion could lead to alterations in heart rhythm, seizures, respiratory failure, and even fatal outcomes. Additionally, even in the absence of ingestion, narrowleaf milkweed should be handled cautiously, as the plant's sap may irritate the skin and eyes.

Is Narrowleaf milkweed toxic to cat?

Narrowleaf milkweed presents a moderate risk of toxicity to cats. If cats consume any part of this plant, it could result in poisoning. Curiosity or accidental ingestion may lead cats to eat this plant. Following ingestion, cats may display symptoms of physical discomfort, which can appear as illness or pain. Considering these potential dangers, it is essential for cat owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict access to narrowleaf milkweed. If there is any suspicion that a cat has eaten any portion of narrowleaf milkweed, it is crucial to quickly seek veterinary care to treat the poisoning and reduce health risks.

Is Narrowleaf milkweed toxic to dog?

Narrowleaf milkweed presents a moderate toxicity risk for dogs. If any part of the plant is ingested by dogs, they can suffer from poisoning due to its inherently toxic properties. This poisoning commonly occurs when dogs consume the various components of narrowleaf milkweed, including its leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. Following ingestion of narrowleaf milkweed, affected dogs may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory difficulties, or dilated pupils. It is essential for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and restrict their access to this particular plant. Should a dog consume narrowleaf milkweed, it is vital to seek prompt veterinary assistance to secure the most favorable outcome for the affected pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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