Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 3/22/2011

Question
QUESTION: I had gotten this plant from you guys about idk 6 months back and i noticed something like rust on it so i sprayed with a sulfur based fungicide. Upon further inspection and posts from friends on an online forum they led me to the conclusion there is a pest problem causing this.

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http://s1104.photobucket.com/albums/h337/rball0406/?action=view¤t=Image3.j
http://s1104.photobucket.com/albums/h337/rball0406/?action=view¤t=Image1.j

Whats your opinion? Im so sad every time i look at this poor thing and since i got it i havent had a pitcher nor any healthy leaves. PLEASE HELP.....

ANSWER: Hi Ryan,

It looks like some kind of Mealy Bug, so you will need to treat.  I'd recommend something like the Bayer 3-in-1 product you may have seen me using in the insecticide podcast.  These critters often carry fungal diseases to the plant, so it may be more than just the bugs affecting the plant.  Be sure to saturate the plant with the spray.  The 3-in-1 has a systemic insecticide and fungicide, and is very safe on Nepenthes.  If you have other houseplants, you may need to treat them also.

It also looks like your plant could use more light.  It should be in a window that gets at least two hours of direct sun when the sun is out.  Weak plants are far more prone to pests.

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK thanks i have the third insecticide on ur video with pyrethrin, so would i have to treat every day? i have a 6'x 3' greenhouse inside with 2 4' 40 wat florescents as well as 8 cfls and a lot of other 2 foot tube lights mix of 3500 and 6500k It is by a window that plant in particular in the greenhouse and that half of the GH gets 3 hrs of direct light.

ANSWER: Hi Ryan,

Ahhh, that puts a different spin on this.  I think your lighting is probably fine.  The insect damage is probably what I'm seeing make the plant look like it needs more light.

You can use the pyrethrins, just follow the frequency it calls for on the bottle.  Here's another option.   Since you have this plant and others in a small enclosure, a No-Pest strip can be very useful here.  If you hang one in your little greenhouse, the bugs will be dead in a week, and it will kill any other plant pests that happen to be in there also.  It's a good option to messy spraying.  If you use this method, hang the strip very close to the affected plant(s).

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No pest strip what is this and where can i find them? DO u mean like a flea collor? not sure i know what ur refering to.

Thanx
Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan,

You can usually find these in grocery stores where they sell insecticides.  Here's a link:  http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Shot-5580-Unscented-Repellent/dp/B0019BK8AG

Good Growing!

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