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Moth plant
Also known as: False choko, Cruel vine, White Bladder Flower, Poor Man's Stephanotis, Bladder vine, Poor mans stephanotis, Bladderflower
Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) is a perennial vine native to South America. Moth plant has been introduced around the world. This species is used as a food source for monarch butterflies, although it is not their preferred food.
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Toxic to Humans
Toxicity
Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial, Annual
Lifespan
Vine, Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
5 m to 10 m
Plant Height
4 m to 8 m
Spread
Green, White
Leaf Color
2 cm
Flower Size
Green, Blue, Silver, Gray
Fruit Color
White, Pink, Cream
Flower Color
Green, White, Pink
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy

Images of Moth plant

Distribution of Moth plant

Distribution Map
Moth plant is native to South America, particularly in the western region. Its introduction beyond its native range has led to naturalization across various continents, namely Europe, Australasia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and North America. Moth plant has adapted to multiple climates, allowing it to thrive in a wide range of non-native territories.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Sandy seashores, hedges, trees, stony banks, cliffs, unkempt areas, waste places
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Even though it's no longer popular in gardens, moth plant can be used as an interesting feature in butterfly gardens. While its smell repels most humans, moths and butterflies are drawn to its fruits and flowers. It has a clingy stem, so it can be grown on fences or trellises in these gardens.
Symbolism
Ornamental, strong, vigorous
Interesting Facts
The milky sap released from Araujia sericifera can cause skin or eye irritation in humans. Therefore, it's considered a toxic plant. It's been reported that that moth plant is poisonous, not only to humans but to livestock and pets, as well.
Name Story
Moth plant: When the vine is damaged, it releases a milky and smelly exudate. Although the plant is capable of self-pollination, it is often pollinated by moths, butterflies, and bees. Therefore, it is called the moth plant.
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Toxicity

Moth plant contains white sap that is toxic to consume and can cause skin and eye irritation. It poses moderate toxicity risks to cats and dogs, possibly leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. All parts of moth plant are toxic, and immediate veterinary care is crucial if poisoning is suspected. Protective gear is advised when handling the plant.
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Weed Control

Moth plant is a vine native to South America but has been naturalized in southwestern Europe. This plant roots on sandy shores and in the vicinity of trees, cliffs, or waste areas throughout USDA zones 8 to 11. It is considered invasive in over twenty-one countries, including Portugal, France, Australia, Spain, and the United States. Moth plant chokes native vegetation through entanglement; in Australia, where it has colonized numerous forests, the weed is listed among the country's thirty most invasive vines. It is poisonous to humans, domestic animals, and livestock, and contact can cause result in dermatitis. If necessary, moth plant can be controlled by the mechanical removal of small plants or by the utilization of herbicides.
How to Control It
The best season for removal of moth plant is achieved in late Summer or early Autumn. It's crucial to remove this weed before it reaches the fruiting stage, the state in which it produces seeds. This prevents the plant from spreading further into your garden.
  1. Manual Removal: Begin by wearing protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin contact with the plant’s sap. Identify the moth plant and gently pull it out from the ground, being careful to remove all of the roots to prevent regrowth.
  2. Smothering: After removal, another method is to cover the area with a thick layer of mulch (preferably organic). This blocks sunlight and restricts any new growth. Remember to keep an eye on the area, and if necessary, add more mulch.
  3. Biological Control: Introduce natural predators such as goats. These creatures can help control the moth plant population by eating the plant. However, this method should be used with caution, as the milky sap can be harmful if ingested.
  4. Solarization: This method involves the use of plastic sheets to cover the area where the moth plant is growing. During the hot summer months, this method increases the soil temperature, thereby killing the moth plant seeds and preventing their spread.
  5. Cutting and Painting: Cut the moth plant stem close to the ground and immediately apply a brush-on herbicide to the cut surface. This method involves keen vigilance to prevent the moth plant from sprouting again.
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Quickly Identify Moth plant

1
Vines reach up to 13 feet (4 meters), climbing and smothering host plants.
2
Trumpet-shaped flowers with creamy white to pinkish hue, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) across.
3
Fruit pods display distinctive 'bladder' characteristic, inflating as they mature.
4
Heart-shaped leaves with dark green upper surface and woolly, velvety texture underneath.
5
Stems are climbing, twining vines with moderate thickness, covered in fine hairs and sticky sap.
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Care Guide for Moth plant

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Originating from South America, moth plant prefers subtropical conditions with consistent moisture and moderate humidity. Weekly watering supports its growth, and it can tolerate brief dryness. Primarily cultivated outdoors, moth plant requires careful watering to promote its vigorous growing season and robust flowering.
Propagation: Moth plant propagates easily via herbaceous cuttings in spring or summer. This low-difficulty method shows success through new root and foliage growth. Using rooting hormone can enhance success rates.
Repotting: Repot moth plant every 2-3 years in spring using a pot one size larger. Use well-draining soil, moderate watering, and provide partial shade. Due to its invasive nature, manage moth plant carefully to prevent unwanted spread.
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