I wouldn't cut the stalks back Marcia. Mine re-leafs. You are saying that you have Monarch chrysalides on the window frame? They'd be safer inside a container, but I don't know if you are interested in doing the cat raising thing. The butterfly eggs, caterpillars,and chrysalides are eaten by many creatures in the wild.

Thanks for the advice. I won't prune the plants; I don't mind the bare sticks. I saw some young milkweed plants at Lowe's and I'll buy a few to plant until I get a chance to grow seeds.

I would rather not be responsible for raising the guys inside. I'll check on the chrysalides. I could bring them into our lanai to protect them until they emerge. I'll read up on that.
Marcia

Here are some of the cats that are doing the job on the milkweed. Yes, I have some leaves re-growing. One of the butterflies emerged from its chrysalis (outside) and a new chrysalis took its place. I didn't get to see the emergence.
Marcia

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