Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 5/19/2010

Question
Hi, I'm having aphid issues - mostly on my sarracenia flava & leucophyla, plus on the flower stalks of my d. filiformis. There are aphids on almost all my other plants too, but not as many.

I was looking at some past answers, but I was confused because there were different options. I'm wondering what would be best for me - ortho systemic insect killer, Neem oil or a pyrethrin product. And I wanted to be sure the ones I'm looking at are ok. I think the brand of systemic insect killer you were referring to was Scott's Co, but let me know if I'm mistaken... I saw that you like Safer brand Neem oil, and is this ok for the pyrethrin?:

http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/QT-RTU-3-In-1-Pyrethrin-p/586695.htm

I liked that it was already in a spray bottle.

The plants are outside so spraying something inside wouldn't be an issue...

Thanks!
Liz

Answer
Hi Liz,

Neem and pyrethrin are topical applications.  Plants do not absorb them into their tissue, so the insecticide stays only on the surface.  After a couple days, the insecticide breaks down and loses effectiveness, so you have to reapply within 7-10 days.

Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and will remain in the plant for about 30 days.  Whether you use a topical insecticide or systemic is entirely up to you and your comfort level in using insecticides.  If you want a more natural approach, the topical applications are for your.  If you prefer to spray and forget about it, then consider the systemic.

We've found that nearly all brands of insecticides containing neem and/or pyrethrin are effective and safe to use on carnivorous plants.  We mention SaferŽ only because that's what is available in our region and people are always asking us what we use.

If you want to use a systemic, consider Disease Control by BayerŽ.  Ortho no longer makes a systemic insecticide, and we've found the one by Bayer to be effective and safe on carnivorous plants.

Whichever product you use, always follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin