Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 10/24/2010

Question
I have a Pinguicula moranensis that I had sprayed with neem extract as a precaution since it was acting funny. The tips of some of the leaves had been withering so I sprayed it for fungus since of my Alice sundew had been infected earlier which has since recovered. However after spraying the butterwort the leaves withered  with varying severely from just the edges to the most of the leaf. Are butterwort more sensitive to fungicide? If that's the case will the plant recover or could it die? What could I possibly do that may help?

Garrett Jepsen

Answer
We've used Neem on butterworts in the past, and I've never seen any damage to the leaves.  In fact, when we test products on plants, we choose two sundews, two butterwort and two flytraps.  If they don't show signs of damage, we feel safe to use them on the rest of the crop.

It could be that given how your butterworts were originally grown (in a terrarium) that the leaves were not hardened enough to tolerate the spray.  If you mixed the Neem solution from concentrate, it's also possible the concentration wasn't diluted sufficiently.  

What you're essentially seeing is a chemical burn.  It doesn't affect the entire plant, only the areas of contact.  The plant will recover, but it will take a couple months because you'll need to wait for new growth.  Keep all of the current leaves.  For each new leaf that opens up, cut off an older damage leaves.  

Nothing more is necessary other than being patient and providing the recommended care as outlined in our care sheets and Volume 2 DVD.

http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin