Tuba milkweed (Asclepias tomentosa)

Also known as: Velvet Milkweed

Tuba milkweed, also known as *Cynanchum laeve*, is a perennial vine with distinctive heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers. It blooms from late summer to early fall and produces seed pods that release silky-haired seeds for wind dispersal.

This plant favors open, sunny environments with moist, well-drained soils. It is commonly found in fields, prairies, roadsides, and forest edges. Native to North America, Tuba milkweed adapts to a variety of soil types but thrives best in richer soils. The flowers are a nectar source for butterflies, adding ecological value to its habitat.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Tuba milkweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30-100 cm

Spread

Varies, generally not measured for herbaceous plants like this.

Leaf Color

Green with a woolly texture

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Flower Color

Greenish-yellow to whitish

Images of Tuba milkweed

Quickly Identify Tuba milkweed

Velvet Milkweed can be identified by its dense, woolly leaves and its greenish-yellow to whitish flowers that form in umbels. The plant also exudes a milky sap when damaged.

Scientific Classification of Tuba milkweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentianales

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkweeds

Species

Tuba milkweed

Planting and Growing of Tuba milkweed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

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 Tuba milkweed?

For Asclepias tomentosa, also known as fuzzy milkweed, each watering session should aim to saturate the top few inches of soil without waterlogging it. This typically translates to approximately 250 milliliters. Consistency in this amount ensures that the plant receives adequate moisture to sustain its growth while avoiding root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Tuba milkweed? ›

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

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Tuba milkweed? ›

How to save an overwatered Tuba milkweed? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Tuba milkweed?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Asclepias tomentosa excels in full sun, benefiting from 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, which enhances flowering and strengthens plant vigor.

What type of sunlight does Asclepias tomentosa prefer? ›

What are the solutions for providing ideal lighting to Asclepias tomentosa? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Asclepias tomentosa? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Tuba milkweed?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Asclepias tomentosa is between 60°F and 75°F. Maintaining this range supports optimal growth and flowering. An environment within these temperatures ensures proper enzyme activity and photosynthesis rates, allowing the plant to thrive.

What Soil is Best for Tuba milkweed?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Asclepias tomentosa thrives best in well-drained soil, as it prevents roots from sitting in water which could lead to root rot. Ensuring your soil drains properly will promote healthy root growth and overall plant vitality. While not overly demanding, Asclepias tomentosa benefits from nutrient-rich soil. Incorporating organic matter like compost can enhance soil fertility, supporting robust growth and lush foliage that attract pollinators. This plant appreciates soil with moderate moisture retention. While it prefers not to be waterlogged, maintaining a consistent moisture level helps it to sustain flowering periods and thrive in its natural habitat.

How to Fertilize Tuba milkweed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Asclepias tomentosa, apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at half strength. Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per plant, ensuring the plant has well-drained soil to prevent nutrient runoff.

How to Prune Tuba milkweed?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by sterilizing your pruning shears to prevent disease spread. Focus on cutting back broken or dead stems at the base, and trim back any overgrown shoots to maintain the desired shape. Be sure to leave enough foliage for photosynthesis. Aim for a clean cut to allow for proper healing. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Tuba milkweed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect mature seeds from the pods when they are dry and brown. Ensure that the seeds are harvested just before the pods burst open.

Fill a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged before planting the seeds.

Place the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of potting mix, ensuring they are not buried too deeply.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Tuba milkweed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two years

Asclepias tomentosa should be repotted when you notice it's outgrowing its current pot, evident by roots poking out through drainage holes or a rapid decline in soil quality. Also, if you notice water not draining well or the plant becoming top-heavy, it's time for a new home.

Select a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one to allow for root growth. Ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and unhealthy plant growth.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix, which mimics the native environment of Asclepias tomentosa. This type of soil reduces humidity around roots, preventing rot and providing the necessary nutrients and structure for optimal growth.

Toxicity

Ingestion

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.