Carnivorous Plants/Powdery Mildew

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Expert: - 7/9/2011


Question
Pitcher plant Powdery Mildew
Pitcher plant Powdery
Sarracenia 'Judith Hindle'
Live in Brea, CA, zone 10b
Got this plant back a few months ago at the Huntington Library show. Everything seems to be doing well. Lately a lot of new shoots springing up. Also I now have powdery mildew growing. This is my first pitcher, so I was pleased it was doing well. Did the research, only New Zealand Spagh for a bit of top layer. ( I use it with certain orchids) Only Osmosis water. No fertilizer and the peat moss is not Miracle anything. I use about a 50/50 peatmoss sand combo. I am attempting to control it with a safe fungicide.  I have a Drosera capensis that is doing well.  The question is how do I prevent this in the future?  The plant gets mornig sun at about 9-10 am and is in sun until maybe 2-3 pm and then a light shade.  any and all help appreciated.  TIA

Answer
Hi Ted,

Thanks for the photo.  This always helps.  I've had problems with this mold off and on, but more commonly on Darlingtonia than Sarracenia.  It can be carried by other plants such as Dandelions.  It can be a bit tough to treat, so I'd recommend a systemic fungicide.  Here's one I've used successfully:  http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/3-in-1-insect-disease-mite...  You can buy the disease control as a single product, but only as a concentrate.  The active ingredient is Tebuconazole, which has also been used as a pharmaceutical anti-fungal.  The 3-in-1 also has an insecticide, but works just fine.  Follow the directions on the label.  Also be sure to remove any dead leaves on the plant and dispose of them.

To prevent this good hygiene and air circulation help.  Remove any plants that might show signs of this (weeds), and make sure the pitcher plant is getting as much sun as possible.  You might need to spray the plant preventatively if this proves to be a problem in your area.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you. Working with the fungicide and I think more sun may help. Sometimes I think I keep it too wet. But I don't believe that's possible!! Thanx again for a quick answer


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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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