Asclepias - Care Tips

Aslcepias - Flowers.NL

You won't leave this beautiful flower easily.

This beauty is also known as a silk plant, the Asclepias is one of the flowers in the summer that stands out for its color, flower shape and good shelf life. These flowers belong to the family of silk plants, Asclepiadiaceae, which also includes Stephanotis, Ceropegia and Hoya.
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COLORS AND SHAPES OF THE ASCLEPIAS

The most famous of this silk plant is the orange Asclepias tuberosa. But in addition, in recent years a lot of trendy colors of this silk plant have been added that can be combined very nicely. From burgundy red to cream white and from purple to pink tones. And another extra: the many-flowered umbels are lightly scented. There is also a special appearance, namely the Asclepias physocarpa 'Moby Dick'. This is best known for its large green bladders that are often used for flower arrangements and in bouquets.

SYMBOLIC OF THE ASCLEPIAS

The tube-like fruits of the silk family contain seeds with long, white and silky hairs. This is how the family owes its name. Asclepias symbolizes "let me go". They are named after the Greek god of medicine, Aesculapios, the son of Apollo. He could bring the dead back to life. But beware!, the milky juice of the plant is poisonous so don't take this too literally.

ORIGIN OF THE ASCLEPIAS

The Asclepias originates from North America where it grows on dry grasslands. The silk flower can be found from the northern states to the southern states. In 1699, the plant was taken to England where it was already cultivated and later spread all over the world.

CARE OF THE ASCLEPIAS

With these tips you can enjoy this fragrant treat for an extra long time:

  • Provide a clean, glass vase. Preferably cleaned with chlorine.
  • Cut a piece diagonally off the flower stem of the Asclepias with a sharp knife.
  • Remove the leaves from the Asclepias so that they do not hang in the water.
  • Put them in a layer of water of about 3 cm, so that the stems can still breathe.
  • Add cut flower food.
  • Change the water every five days and refill it regularly.
  • Do not place your Asclepias in direct sunlight, near a heater, near a fruit bowl or in a draught