First of all,

Make sure you are buying native milkweed without pesticides. Tropical milkweed can increase the occurrence of a parasite called O.e in Monarchs. O.e. can wreak havoc on Monarch populations. If you have tropical milkweed make sure you cut it back to the root in the fall/winter to prevent the accumulation of O.e in the wings. This ensures that butterflies return from migration to fresh, non-parasitic leaves.

Secondly,

You most likely have a small store-bought plant which is why you have a shortage. Milkweed takes time to become a fully grown plant. The first year you plant the milkweed stays relatively small. The saying is:

First year sleep, second year creep, third year leap.

This is what fully grown native Narrowleaf milkweed plant looks like. They can be 5 feet tall. No shortage of food there!

As for what to do now… It is illegal to handle a monarch caterpillar. You may have to let nature take its course and have a better course of action for the future. While we don’t have an easy solution for you, we wanted to take the opportunity to educate you about Monarchs and milkweed.

Off the record… we wish you the best of luck finding someone with fully grown milkweed. They need fresh leaves daily.

The best coarse of action is to plant a native butterfly garden which includes milkweed and native nectar plants, not just for monarchs but for all our struggling pollinators.

To find free plants for your garden you can contact one of our hubs. They won’t be big enough to feed your caterpillars now. They are for the future. Also, here is a list of native nurseries where you can buy native milkweed and other native plants.

To learn more about why monarchs and all pollinators need your help start here.