Description
Giant milkweed (Calotropis gigantea), also known as crown flower, is a resilient tropical shrub with beautiful waxy flowers. While it is not generally grown as a food plant, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects. Monarch butterflies use it as a host plant for their caterpillars.
Giant milkweed produces striking lavender, white, or purple flowers almost year-round in warm climates. It is drought-tolerant once established and does well in poor soils. It is a beautiful and resilient ornamental and ecological plant that would be a great addition to a sub-tropical or tropical landscape.
How to Take and Prep Cuttings
- Select stems: Cut a healthy, non-woody 6 to 12-inch piece from an active stem just below a leaf node.
- Strip leaves: Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes where roots will form.
- Let it dry: Allow the cut end to air-dry and callous over for 1 to 2 days to prevent rotting.
- Protect yourself: Wear gloves and eye protection, as the milky white sap can irritate skin and eyes.
Rooting Methods
- Water method: Place the calloused cutting in a jar of clean water on a bright windowsill, changing the water every 2 to 3 days until roots grow 1 to 2 inches long (usually 1 to 3 weeks).
- Soil method: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant directly into a pot filled with warm, well-draining potting soil or a perlite mix. Keep the soil moist.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.