The Swan Plant is a popular and captivating addition to any garden, particularly due to its association with the Monarch butterfly. This plant is a member of the milkweed family and is typically treated as an annual, though it is a frost-tender perennial. Known for its swan-like seedpods, the swan plant is attractive and serves as a vital food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Growing Tips
Location: Swan plants prefer a well-drained, sunny spot in the garden.
Plant Care: Though they can be grown as perennials in warmer climates, they are often treated as annuals due to their frost sensitivity. Ensure the soil drains well and the plant receives plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.
Pests
While the swan plant is relatively trouble-free, aphids can sometimes attack. However, since Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the swan plant, it's important to be cautious when dealing with pests. To control aphids here are some methods.
Manual Removal: The safest way to remove aphids without harming the caterpillars is to squash them with your finger and thumb. This method is labour-intensive but effective.
Chemical Control: If you must use chemicals to control aphids, remove the caterpillars from the plant first and ensure no eggs are left on the leaves. After spraying with a low withholding-period product such as Mavrik or Eco-Oil, wait until the withholding period has passed before reintroducing the caterpillars. Otherwise, the chemicals will kill them.
Monarch Caterpillars
Life Cycle: Monarch caterpillars take about three weeks to grow to full size and start forming their chrysalis. After 14–21 days, they will emerge as Monarch butterflies.
Caterpillar Care: During this stage, caterpillars can be left on the plant to feed and grow, though protecting them from any pest treatments or chemical sprays is essential.
Monarch Butterflies
- Emergence: Monarch butterflies typically hang from their chrysalis to dry and harden their wings after emerging from their chrysalis. This quick process is exciting for any butterfly enthusiast.
- First Flight: The butterfly will be ready for its first flight within two hours of drying its wings. The warmer the weather, the better the Monarch butterfly's chance of survival.
- Reproduction: Female Monarchs will lay their eggs on the underside of swan plant leaves, completing the cycle. The eggs hatch in 4–10 days, giving rise to the next generation of caterpillars.
Conservation and Monarch Health
Unfortunately, the global Monarch butterfly population has declined by 80% over the past two decades. This decline is primarily due to pesticide use in commercial swan plant cultivation, which harms caterpillars and butterflies.
Oderings has partnered with the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust to address this issue to promote a butterfly-friendly gardening approach. This collaboration ensures that swan plants are grown without harmful pesticides and encourages planting practices that support Monarchs and other pollinators.
Approved by Butterflies: Plants grown with the Trust’s approval are free of harmful chemicals and are safe for Monarch caterpillars to feed on.
Planting for Monarchs: Store staff can offer guidance on planting swan plants and other nectar-producing plants that support Monarch butterflies.
For more information on Monarch conservation, visit The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust website.
By planting swan plants and supporting Monarch butterflies, you contribute to the conservation of this iconic species while enjoying the beauty of these remarkable insects in your garden.
