Carnivorous Plants/brown spots

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Question
I noticed brown spots on growth tips ang new/young leaves of my neps. I have a few plants with this. On closer investigation, I saw orange colored insects (spidermites?, no web found on any of the plants) I checked. nepenthesaroundthehouse.com & the description of an aphid infestation sounds like the closest match. What insecticide or natural treatment do you suggest?

BTW, I live in the Philippines, my plants are in full sun. Im located 1500masl. Will try to take a picture..

Answer
Hi Jan,

I picture would help me have a clearer idea of what insects these may be, especially since you may have different pests than we have here in North America.

If you can find a systemic insecticide, it will give the longest lasting protection.  I'm not sure what you have available in the Phillipines, but Acephate (Orthene) and Imidacloprid (Bayer brands) work well and are safe on Nepenthes.  Neem compounds also work well, but you will need to follow the re-application schedule given on the product since it is a surface insecticide.  Here's a podcast we did on safe insecticides for cp:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbRCdJ8ZNF0  With all insecticides follow the directions on the package, and follow any safety rules.

Good Growing!

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

Carnivorous Plants

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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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