Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 10/13/2010

Question
I recently applied neem extract fungicide to my Alice Sundew because it had a fungal infecting about a week ago. The plant is looking much healthier and seems to be recovering, so is it a good idea to reapply the fungicide to make sure the fungus is killed or would this be to much on the plant? I also have a butterwort (pinguicula moranensis) that is in the same terrarium as the sundew and is not as healthy as it could be. Should I use the fungicide on the butterwort as a precaution in case it is infected too? I am planning to remove both plants from the terrarium into pots ASAP since the terrarium is bad for them. Would it be a better idea to apply to fungicide before or after repotting them?

Thanks,
Garrett Jepsen

Answer
Neem is good if you have an active fungal infection.  Sulfur is better if you want to prevent future fungal attacks.  In either case, you can always reapply the Neem if you think it didn't quite get rid of it.  It won't harm the plant.  

If you plan to repot your plants soon, apply a preventive spraying of fungicide at the time of repotting.  Otherwise, if it's going to be a while before you can repot, then you should do it right away.  It's always best to catch fungus in the early stages.  In late stages, it may be too late to rescue a plant.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin