Date: 02/12/2015

Number: 1

The surviving Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed, with red and yellow flowers) are growing leaves, and have been joined by offspring that sprouted from the seeds of the plants already in my garden.

Most of the plants have asclepias aphids, which are small, round, orange bugs that eat the leaves. I am looking for a non-toxic way to get rid of the aphids, so that the monarch butterflies will have plenty to eat. Usually, I just squish a bunch of aphids with my fingers, but that is icky. What I need is an army of ladybugs, but I'm going to try spraying with horticultural oil first.

Have not seen any leaves from the Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed, with orange flowers) yet. The A. tuberosa seem to be more delicate than the A. curassavica. They bloom later, are more susceptible cold weather, and suffer more when attacked by pests such as aphids.

Humble, TX

Latitude: 30 Longitude: -95.2

Observed by: S K
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