Calotropis gigantea – House Plants

Calotropis gigantea (also known as a crown flower) is an ornamental, flowering plant. It is a traditional medicinal plant it belongs to the family of Asclepiadaceous. Crown flower is a vast shrub growing to 13 ft tall and has groups of waxy blooms that are either white or lavender in color. Each blossom consists of five-pointed petals and a little “crown” rising from the center which holds the stamens. Blossoms appear in clusters throughout the year, however basically in summer. The aestivation found in calotropis is valvate i.e. sepals or petals in a whorl just touch one another at the margin, without overlapping. The plant has oval, light green leaves, and a milky stem.

The latex of Calotropis gigantea contains cardiac glycosides, fatty acids, and calcium oxalate. Calotropis gigantea plants contain compounds that are scientifically validated as biologically active, and should, therefore, be considered toxic. Emerald Goddess Gardens does not recommend nor endorse the use of ornamental plants for homeopathic treatments, herbal remedies, spiritual experience enhancement, or recreation. The root, bark, and milk used in medicine for the treatment of dysentery cutaneous affections. The leaves are applied to paralyzed parts, painful joints. The milk is useful in leprosy and ringworm.

Scientific Name: Calotropis gigantea

Synonyms: Asclepias gigantea L., Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br. ex Schult., Madorius giganteus (L.) Kuntze, Periploca cochinchinensis Lour., Streptocaulon cochinchinense (Lour.) G. Don.

Common Name: crown flower

How to grow and maintain Calotropis gigantea:

Light:
Calotropis gigantea thrives well in full sun to partial sun.

Soil:
It prefers to grow well in fertile, very well-draining soil and can tolerate sandy or salty soil.

Temperature:
It grows well in a normal temperature between 19 degrees C -37 degrees C.

Water:
Water your crown flower plant regularly. water the crown flower plant when the top of the soil should be dry out before watering. Do not overwater.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with good quality, slow-release, fertilizer, Or use neem oil and cow manure mix to the soil for Better Result.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed or by stem cuttings. Plant crown flower outdoors in early spring or early fall.

Pests and Diseases:
Calotropis gigantea is more susceptible to insect infestations, particularly aphids and butterflies.