Carnivorous Plants/BUGS??

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Expert: - 12/8/2011


Question
Let me first start off by saying Thanks for clearing up my confusion on my Bacillus mosquito dunks.. Today I noticed small green bugs on the flower stalk of my D.spatulata "Fraser Island" and was wondering if you could identify them for me and what would be the best way to get rid of them. I have a few different Drosera species, I will assume these critters are on all my plants as they are all in close proximity to each other. (most in 3in. pots.)

Lighting-  3 65w-275w equiv 6500k CFL's
         6 23w-100w equiv 6500k CFL's

Water- RO water only

Soil- 1:1 Organic peat and perlite

I've had this plant for only a couple of months. I grow all my plants indoors, I have them on an east facing windowsill, it only gets direct sunlight for approximately 3hrs, artificial lights on for 15hrs. a day (6am.-9pm.). Located in Austin, Texas. The attached photo are the critters in question, these side by side pictures were taken just a few seconds apart. If you know how to view images using the cross eye method you can see them in 3D. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Michael,

I didn't see an attached photo, but invariably these are aphids.  You can get rid of them with systemic insecticides and some others.  Here's a link to our insecticide podcast:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbRCdJ8ZNF0  For aphids on sundews I like the imidacloprid products best.  They don't seem to harm plants at all, and are very effective with aphids.

If you only see them on one or two plants, and on the flower stalks, you may be able to just wash them off.  If they get into the crowns of some plants, however, (D. capensis, D. adelae) you do need to spray since they hide and sometimes can't be washed away.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

Carnivorous Plants

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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!

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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.

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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.

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