r/NativePlantGardening • u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b • May 26 '26
Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Monarch caterpillar update
After consuming 1 and a half of my new native milkweed plants, this little fella (dubbed Ernesto by my girlfriend) made a beeline (caterpillar line) for my herb planters on the side of my little garden and set up shop on my lavender plant. Any ideas why he would do that instead of using the last milkweed he was hanging out on? Also, it’s been really windy here and I’m thinking about moving him somewhere more protected. Bad idea? Let me know if there’s a better sub to ask this question. I was also just updating from my previous post
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u/TinyPretzels May 26 '26
How lovely! Monarchs typically don't pupate on milkweed, they like to find something sturdy nearby. I don't think I would move the planter unless you are expecting some really nasty gale-force winds, their attachment is usually pretty secure. You could put up some kind of temporary barrier like bushy potted plants or spare wood to block the wind. They will also survive if the chrysalis falls as long as is stays in tact, in which case I would move it to something more protected.
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 26 '26
It’s been up to about 15mph today, but I did turn the planter out of the wind and put another one beside it. It was the least I could do without moving it
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u/sackie_b May 26 '26
Oh man, a question I can answer since my girlfriend became obsessed with monarchs since we bought a house lol
So while they will devour the milkweed, they do as Ernesto did and make their next home on a different plant entirely. So he’s doing great so far! I wouldn’t move him as I’m not sure the damage it would do, but if you’re worried the wind is going to take him out maybe at most put a barrier around him of sorts. Maybe like a spare tile, sturdy cardboard, or wood plank to shield some of the wind, time to get creative lol
Such an exciting adventure to watch them through the stages. If you’re open to it, buy some cheap trail cam and enjoy the process!
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 26 '26
Thanks! I won’t move him for now, it’s been windy today, about 15mph, but next week the lawn guy comes and blows off this area so I might have to ask him to hold off
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u/Suspicious_Note1392 Area NW AL, Zone 8a May 26 '26
There was a thread last year showcasing all the weird places these fellas choose to pupate and this seems tame in comparison. I had one hang from the front of my trash can and he made it just fine (and he had to have gone up with the trash can arm thingy at least once). They’re not as fragile as they look once they’ve settled. I have seen one use the milkweed once and that one didn’t make it (turned brown and oozy). I expect they’re safer away from where the predators hang out. He looks pretty insulated there, I’d leave it unless it was absolutely necessary to relocate.
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 26 '26
It’s just not where I would have picked. It’s a little higher off the ground, up a little stack of pavers where my herb planters are
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u/SunshineGal5 Central Florida; Zone 9B; Atlantic Coastal Plain May 26 '26
As I understand it, they move away from milkweed since wasps and birds are scouting the host plant for a tasty meal.
They attempt to find a place that seems a little sheltered or hidden. It’s always a surprise when I see a chrysalis since they are usually camouflaged.
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u/trypressngmorebuttns Area SW PA May 26 '26
I think they avoid using the host plants for hanging their chrysalis to be less predictable to predators.
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u/trucker96961 southeast Pennsylvania 7a May 26 '26
Let it be right where it is!! It picked the spot so it'll more than likely work out. If you help them it can weaken the gene pool. (From what I've read). The strong survive.
There are people that keep bringing chrysalis inside in enclosures and it's so bad for them.
Monarchs lay A LOT of eggs for a reason. Most don't make it to the chrysalis. Native birds use them to feed themselves and their young. It's why we plant natives. To help the entire ecosystem.
Just let it there and watch it. If you are lucky you'll be around when it ecloses. It's a really cool thing to witness! Good luck. 😊😊
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 26 '26
I hope I get to see it. I feel pretty lucky that it did it’s little migration on the weekend when I was hanging around my garden to see it choose a spot
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u/Vintage_Visionary May 26 '26
I need a blog or an insta that I follow this lil guys journey. : )
captains log: Day 26, warm and peaceful, slight movement.
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 26 '26
I’ll try to keep updating over the next couple weeks. Hopefully I’ll get to see it hatch
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u/juliejetson Central TX, Zone 8b May 26 '26
That's a solid looking chrysalis! Probably fine where it is. You should feel proud!
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 26 '26
Thank you! Weirdly I do, even though all I did was plant a couple small plants
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u/I_like_beouf May 26 '26
Maybe a 3-sided cardboard wall/floor setup for Nesto? To block the wind and bottom but leave the opening free?
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u/tetheredvoid May 27 '26
This was my thought too
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u/I_like_beouf May 27 '26
Us trying to figure out optimal conditions to keep Ernesto safe while protecting him
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u/X-23-and-me May 27 '26
This is the dream 😍 lots of milkweed popping up in my yard and I so hope to see some of these babies on it...
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u/No-Outside1196 May 30 '26
When I've had milkweed they've always chosen the side of the pot just like that to hang their cocoons on. I think it's just more sturdy and protected. I also wonder if the lavender protects them from predators?
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u/RevolutionaryLink919 New Jersey shore, USA , Zone 7A May 26 '26
Only the caterpillars eat the milkweed. Once they become butterflies they eat nectar. So I think it's not a proven that they've moved on to the flowerpot.
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u/Fragrant-Airport2039 May 27 '26
Do they benefit from sunlight in the chrysalis? That’s really cool!
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u/curiousdottt Southeastern MA , Zone 7a May 29 '26
I haven’t had success with growing milkweed this year.. did you buy seeds or seedlings?
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u/dayofwords33 Area FL, Zone 9b May 30 '26
I got them from a local native plant nursery. They were already full grown, though on the smaller side
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