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Showy milkweed · Asclepias speciosa

Why is my Showy milkweed growing so tall and thin?

Showy milkweed is naturally a tall plant, but it should stay sturdy and upright. If it looks stretched out or is flopping over, it is likely reaching for more light. Check your garden spot to ensure it is getting enough direct sun.

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leggy growth on a plant
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Measure the hours of direct sunlight the plant gets daily.
  2. Check if nearby plants are shading your milkweed.
  3. Review your recent fertilization schedule.

Likely causes

  1. Insufficient Sunlight

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems are very long with large gaps between the leaves, and the plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source. It may also fail to produce many flowers.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If it is already in the ground, you may need to prune back surrounding plants that are casting shade.

  2. Excessive Nitrogen

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is growing very rapidly with lush, soft green foliage but weak stems that cannot support the weight. This often happens if you fertilize too heavily.

    What to do: Stop all fertilization immediately. Milkweed prefers lean soil and does not need extra nutrients to thrive.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your showy milkweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal for this species to reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Only worry if the stems are so weak they cannot stand up without support.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in a location with full, unobstructed sun. Avoid adding compost or fertilizer to the soil, as milkweed prefers poor, well-draining conditions.

Showy milkweed: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your showy milkweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I stake my milkweed?
You can use a garden stake to help it stand up, but it is better to address the light issue so the plant grows strong on its own.
Should I prune it to make it bushier?
You can pinch back the top growth in early spring to encourage branching, but do not do this once the plant has started forming flower buds.

More problems with Showy milkweed

Back to the Showy milkweed guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.