Bloodflower Asclepias curassavica
ABOUT
Asclepias curassavica, commonly known as bloodflower or tropical milkweed, is a striking perennial plant known for its ornamental appeal and role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. The plant bears distinctive lance-shaped leaves that are a deep green color, occasionally displaying hues ranging from yellowish to reddish where the stem meets the leaf. Bloodflower is most renowned for its vibrant flowers, which have a complex structure. Comprised of small, star-shaped flowers gathered into a rounded cluster at the top of the stems, the blooms showcase a brilliant combination of red and yellow-orange colors. The red parts typically form a tubular structure, while the yellow-orange hoods emerge around the central part of the flower clusters. These eye-catching blooms are not only visually appealing but also serve as an essential food source for pollinators. The contrast between the lush green foliage and the vivid flowers makes the bloodflower a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their landscape. Additionally, its role in supporting butterfly populations, specifically the monarch butterfly, adds to its desirability for those interested in creating a butterfly-friendly environment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apocynaceae
Synonyms
Bloodflower, Scarlet Milkweed, Mexican Butterfly Weed, Tropical Milkweed, Redhead, Cotton Bush
Common names
Asclepias curassavica L., Asclepias nivea var. curassavica, Asclepias margaritacea.
ToxicityTo humans
Bloodflower contains toxic compounds, particularly cardiac glycosides, that can be harmful when ingested. These toxins can affect the heart and other organs. Symptoms of bloodflower poisoning in humans include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms and possibly fatal heart failure. It is important to avoid consuming any part of the bloodflower plant.
To pets
Bloodflower is toxic to pets due to compounds such as cardiac glycosides. Ingestion of parts of this plant can lead to symptoms similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in severe cases cardiac failure. Exposing pets to bloodflower should be avoided to prevent any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Central America South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Asclepias curassavica, commonly known as tropical milkweed, is highly attractive to numerous pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing essential nectar sources.
- Monarch Butterfly Habitat: It serves as a crucial host plant for monarch butterflies, offering a place for them to lay eggs and providing food for the larvae.
- Drought Tolerant: Tropical milkweed has an inherent ability to withstand periods of little rainfall, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens.
- Ornamental Value: With its vivid red and orange flowers, tropical milkweed adds a splash of color to any garden, enhancing overall landscape aesthetics.
- Easy to Grow: It is easy to cultivate and maintain, adaptable to a variety of soils, and can thrive with minimal care in suitable climates.
- Educational Tool: As a host plant for monarchs, it can be used in educational settings to teach about life cycles, pollination, and conservation efforts.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of tropical milkweed can help to stabilize the soil, reducing erosion in garden settings.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Asclepias curassavica has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation.
- Anodyne: It is known to have pain-relieving properties.
- Emetic: The plant has been used to induce vomiting in certain traditional treatment protocols.
- Purgative: It has been used to stimulate bowel movements as a laxative.
- Wound healing: The sap of Asclepias curassavica is traditionally applied to cuts and wounds to promote healing.
- Antipyretic: The plant has been used to reduce fever in traditional medicine practices.
- Dermatological uses: It has been used in the treatment of certain skin conditions, such as warts and ringworm.
- Vermifuge: The seeds of the plant are sometimes used in traditional medicine to expel parasitic worms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Asclepias curassavica, commonly known as Bloodflower, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of warm tones to fabrics when processed correctly.
- The sap of the Bloodflower is sometimes applied to warts as a traditional remedy, although this is not medically verified and can potentially irritate the skin.
- In some cultural practices, the fibers of the Bloodflower plant are used for making coarse textiles or twine due to their strength and durability.
- The plant can also be useful in permaculture designs, as it can act as a pest deterrent for certain insect pests due to its toxic sap.
- Bloodflower may be included in butterfly gardens or habitats to serve as a food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars, which rely on milkweed species.
- Farmers sometimes plant Bloodflower among their crops as a trap crop to attract aphids away from more valuable plants.
- The showy flowers of the Bloodflower can be used for ornamental purposes in cut flower arrangements, due to their vibrant color and interesting structure.
- In some regions, the plant is cultivated as a green manure, as it can be plowed back into the soil to act as a fertilizer due to its nitrogen-rich leaves.
- The Bloodflower's dense growth can provide ground cover in garden settings, helping to prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Due to its rapid growth and ability to self-seed, Bloodflower can also be used in reforestation efforts or ecological restoration projects in suitable climates.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBloodflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBloodflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Medicine: Asclepias curassavica is commonly known as Bloodflower or Scarlet Milkweed. It is a plant that is associated with healing due to its genus being named after Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing.
- Transformation and Change: The Bloodflower is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly, symbolizing transformation and growth as the caterpillars metamorphose into beautiful butterflies.
- Endurance and Survival: The presence of alkaloids in the Bloodflower make it toxic to some animals, lending it the symbolism of endurance and the ability to thrive in tough situations.
WaterThe Bloodflower should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist but not waterlogged soil, particularly during the growing season. The top inch of soil should slightly dry out before you water again. Generally, this could mean watering once every 5-7 days, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil with about one to two gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and pot, ensuring deep watering that reaches the entire root system.
LightThe Bloodflower thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Position the plant in a bright, sunny spot where it can get ample sunlight to ensure healthy growth and blooming. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it gets the most light.
TemperatureThe Bloodflower prefers warm temperatures and is accustomed to grow in conditions ranging between 70°F and 90°F. It can survive minimal temperature dips to about 60°F, but frost can be severely damaging. Provide a sheltered location to protect the Bloodflower from cold drafts and extreme temperature shifts for optimal growth.
PruningPruning the Bloodflower is important to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. It should be pruned in early spring or after the blooming cycle to remove spent flowers and any dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning once or twice a year is usually enough to keep the plant healthy and stimulate new growth and blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBloodflower thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Regular garden soil can be amended with organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.
RepottingBloodflower should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's vital to increase the pot size by 1-2 inches to give the roots ample room to grow.
Humidity & MistingBloodflower prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate different humidity levels well. There is no need for specific humidity adjustments for this plant when grown in an average home or garden environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil for indoor Bloodflowers.
Outdoor
Plant Bloodflowers in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAsclepias curassavica, commonly known as tropical milkweed, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires warmth and moisture to germinate. Once the seed germinates, a seedling emerges, developing a root system and initial leaves that harness energy through photosynthesis. The seedling matures into a vegetative plant, characterized by long, lanceolate leaves and a branching stem structure. Following the vegetative stage, tropical milkweed enters the reproductive phase, producing clusters of bright red and yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods containing many flat, brown seeds, each with silky hairs that allow them to be dispersed by the wind. At the end of the growing season, the plant may die back if exposed to cold temperatures, but in warmer climates, it can persist as a perennial, regrowing from its rootstock when conditions improve.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Asclepias curassavica, commonly known as tropical milkweed, is by seed. To propagate tropical milkweed, seeds must be sown in warm soil, so the optimal time is after the danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer. Seeds should be sown just under the surface in small pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. They need plenty of sunlight to germinate, so placing the pots in a bright location is essential. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle and after all threat of frost is gone, they can be transplanted into the garden or larger pots to continue growing.
