Cut Back Your Milkweed Plants!
As we go into the migration season of the Monarch butterfly, it is extremely important to cut back your Milkweed, especially the Tropical. During the winter months of the year, the Monarch will migrate to warmer weather in Mexico and South America. While our fluttery friends are away, we urge you to clip back all of your Milkweed species to promote healthier growth and keep away fungus and parasites.
How Does Clipping Prevent Parasites?
When you don’t clip back your Milkweed plants during the winter season, you are increasing the chance of getting a parasite that will damage the plant and affect the butterflies when they return in the spring. Tropical Milkweed is especially at risk. Unlike California Natives, the Tropical Milkweed doesn’t die off and stays active year-round. This had led to some Monarchs staying and laying eggs year-round, however it has also contributed to the increase of a parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. The parasite has dramatically affected Monarch migration, as well as affecting the butterfly’s ability to fly and it’s life span. Since our Native Milkweeds die off during the winter season, the parasite dies with it. However, since the Tropical Milkweed stays active year-round, it’s urgent to cut it all the way back to rid the plant of the parasite and provide a healthy plant for the butterflies in the springtime.
How Does Clipping Prevent Fungus?
In addition, when your Milkweed plants become too large or overcrowded, it becomes a breeding ground for fungus. The fungus occurs when the leaves start getting discolored spots and turning yellow. To prevent sick and diseased plants, we clip back our Milkweed at the base of the plant every winter for a fresh start in spring. If the plant continues to look diseased in the spring, you can treat it by watering at the base of the plant or by treating the spots with a hydrogen peroxide mix. Add 2 TBSPs of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 quart of water for a treatment mix to spray on the plants.
Will Clipping the Plant Kill It?
Some people are concerned that if they clip back their Milkweed that it will die. This however is not the case. When clipping, clip at the base of the plant, leaving a few inches of stem. Over the next couple of months, you will notice new sprouts coming off the stem that you clipped. Milkweed grows very quickly and should not die when clipping. Your Milkweed will be back to its normal size in no time! Clipping it back during winter is the best way to keep our plants and butterflies healthy! Do your part! Help us keep our Monarchs healthy!
How Can You Get Involved?
For more information on how you can help and become part of the Wings of Change, visit our About page, email us at business@wingsofchange.us, or call 760-908-7454. We have our special Monarch and Milkweed Merchandise available for sale now. Place your order before it’s too late! Join the Wings of Change and promote the mission to save our butterflies!