Giant Milkweed
Calotropis gigantea
Gigantea
About this plant
Calotropis gigantea, known as Giant Milkweed, is a large shrub or small tree with broad, gray-green leaves and clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers that are usually pale purple or white. It produces a milky sap that is toxic and can irritate skin. Traditionally, it has been used in medicine and for making fibers. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in warm climates and can attract butterflies.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Calotropis
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Gentianales
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia
- Distribution
- Native to South Asia and Southeast Asia; cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 40 °C
- Optimal
- 20-30 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic)
- Soil type
- well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Watering. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing. Fertilize once or twice during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing as the plant is adapted to poor soils.
Calotropis gigantea is a tough plant that grows well in sunny, dry conditions. It needs well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. It can tolerate drought but grows best with occasional watering. Minimal maintenance is needed, but avoid damaging the sap as it can irritate skin.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Large, broad leaves with a gray-green color; clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers in pale purple or white; large seed pods with silky fibers.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Low spread
The plant's sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. Keep away from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or contact.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Low
Calotropis gigantea can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially from its milky sap. Avoid touching the sap and wash hands if contact occurs. People sensitive to plant latex or sap should be cautious.
Common problems
Overwatering can cause root rot. Handling the plant's sap may cause skin irritation. In low light, growth may be weak and flowering reduced.
Uses
Used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. Traditionally used in folk medicine and for fiber production. Also planted to attract butterflies.
Notes
Wear gloves when pruning or handling to avoid skin irritation from sap. Prune to shape and remove dead branches. Repot young plants annually if grown in containers.