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Carnivorous Plants/parasites?
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QUESTION: Hi
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I have a barrel of saracennias, most of which are growing fine. One (a flava) is coming up deformed and with a brown veiny discolouration of the leaves. I thought it was aphids, although there is no sign of them, and have sprayed repeatedly but this hasn't helped. Could it be any kind of root based parasite? Or thrips? What treatments are safe to use?
Any help much appreciated!!
Rich
ANSWER: Hi Rich,
This looks more like physical/chemical damage. The leaf in the middle of the photo that has the brown residue and bent over looks similar to what I've seen when herbicide drifted onto some of our plants. Did anyone spray herbicide anywhere in the yard? Also, what was the pesticide you used? Insecticidal soaps can cause this kind of damage, especially if sprayed in hot weather.
At this point you could dig up the plant to inspect the rhizome and see if any critter has gotten to it. Otherwise you may just need to give it time. Be sure to top water it with plenty of water, and wash the leaves also in case it is some kind of chemical damage.
The types of insecticides we've used safely include Acephate (Orthene), Imidacloprid, Neem, Permethrin, and Pyrethrins. We avoid insecticidal soaps, and any oil based insecticide.
Let us know how they do.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi
Thanks for your response. I've found the original packaging and the active ingredient is called pirimicarb. Do you know if this is likely to be the cause? I have no idea what the othe ringredients are I'm afraid.,
Rich
Hi Rich,
I looked up the insecticide and it sounds like it's a relative of carbaryl, brand name "Sevin" used here in the U.S. Diazinon is also similar. I do remember some growers reporting leaf damage from use of Diazinon, and you mentioned that you sprayed on a hot day. This is very likely the culprit. Your plants will probably be fine. You'll just need to cut off the damaged stuff.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you that is most helpful. I shall cut off the damaged growth and hope for the best; there seems to be some fresh growth that is not distorted. Thank you again Rich | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Sarracenia Northwest
Expertise
If your plant is showing poor growth, discoloration, abnormal leaves or possible infestation, the growers at Sarracenia Northwest can help! Carnivorous plant experts Jeff Dallas and Jacob Farin will help you diagnose the problem and get your plants on the right track. Their no nonsense approach has helped thousands of growers all over the world. They can help you too!
Experience
With over 40 years of combined experience, Jeff and Jacob has definitely taken a straight forward approach to growing carnivorous plants. They have encountered many types of diseases, abnormal growth and infestations related to carnivorous plants, and they know what it takes to get plants looking beautiful and healthy again.
Education/Credentials
Authors of Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden and producers of the Grow Carnivorous Plants! DVD Series. They also produce a monthly video podcast to illustrate how plants cycle through the seasons.
No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.
Just the straight facts from guys who grow and propagate
thousands of carnivorous plants each year.
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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR QUESTION: We no longer answer how-to questions (i.e. How do I propagate...?; How do I grow...?). Instead, we help growers by diagnosing a specific plant problem and offering solutions (i.e. Why is my sundew not producing dew?; Is now a good time to divide my Sarracenia?; Why are the traps turning black?; What's a good substitute for perlite?; Why didn't my seeds germinate?; Can you identify this carnivorous plant for me?) For general plant care, please read our care sheets on our main website: http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets For business questions: http://www.cobraplant.com/contact |
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