Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 9/27/2010

Question
Greetings from UK!

First off, I want to say your three volumes on carnivorous plants are fantastic and more than fantastic they are brilliant. I thank you very much for producing them! I sincerely enjoyed watching each one.
My problem is I am stuggling to find a suitable fungicide for my plant, probably owing to being in the UK. The ones that you recommend,safer garden fungicide, I just can not find here in this country. Neem oil is another one. I did find, however, a Bayer Fungus Fighter and I believe it contains something called Myclobutanil.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bayer-Fungus-Fighter-Disease-Control/dp/B003MPMHG0
Will this be ok to use?
Sorry to take up your time, I really appreciate it if you could help me.

Answer
Hi John,

This weekend, we plan to film a podcast about fungicides.  Thank you for bringing this product to my attention.  I can't seem to find any manufacturer that uses myclobutanil in the United States, so it's something that we don't have access to.  This might be a compound that is legal in Europe, but not in the United States.

The chemical structure is completely organic (carbon-based), so it should be safe with flytraps and other carnivorous plants, at least those with hard, firm leaves, such as Sarracenia and Nepenthes.  The main issue with the compound, however, is the potential risk for male sterility.  If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the bottle.

You don't need to use the SaferŪ brand.  Any sulfur-based fungicide will be fine.  We mention that brand because many growers ask us which brand we use at the nursery.  In general, if it's cheap and effective, we buy it.  

If you absolutely can't find sulfur or neem and you want to use something completely organic (non-synthetic), you can use a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide (regular concentration) and 4 parts water.  Pour the solution directly over the soil.  I haven't tried it directly on affected plants, but it's an effective treatment for getting rid of mold and fungus in the soil.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin