When using cuttings they need to be kept in containers of fresh water to keep them alive to provide fresh food for the caterpillars. The containers of water will need to have lids to keep the caterpillars from drowning. Don’t ask me how they do it, but they will drown themselves if given a chance. Puncture holes in the lids and fill each hole with a plant stem. If you poke five holes in the lid then insert five cuttings. Leaving an open hole is a recipe for disaster as, goodness knows why, a caterpillar will certainly find a way into the container and be found the next day drowned.
Caterpillars aren’t the smartest little things so help keep them safe from themselves. Predators are difficult to deal with especially up close and personal. So if you want to keep the caterpillars safe, or just keep them close to observe or take photographs, try a caterpillar screen enclosure.Â
Happy butterfly gardening everyone!