Even a healthy CP can be afflicted with aphids if there is a source nearby;
my source was an overhanging Aspen tree a metre away from my greenhouse last
summer. There is a lot of irony in CP being afflicted with insect pests,
but this humour is usually wasted on the afflicted CP'er.
Based on my own experience with aphids, and my knowledge of pesticide
products from past environmental consulting work, there are some products
that you can use with some degree of safety on many CP species... without
the CP withering and dying before your very eyes.
Naturally, many of us will stay clear of any pesticide product based solely
on principle, but those of you who are considering such action read on. Many
sprays will kill CP but I have had a lot of luck with natural pyrethin
products which are frequently made from a certain chrysanthemum flower. In a
sense such products can be considered to be semi-natural or botanically
derived pesticides as are rotenone and nicotine based products.
I'm not a salesman, nor do I work for a pesticide manufacturer, but here
are the benefits of Pyrethrins that I have found:
- Pyrethrums are much less toxic than nicotine - there is no
problem with TMV being carried - pyrethrins are effective at
very low concentrations (ie. 0.02%) - Pyrethrin products
breakdown/degrade in sunlight in a week or two - Pyrethrins are
registered for use on vegetable crops and in food
preparation areas to give you an idea of how much safer they are than
many other pesticides.
- Pyrethrin products are available in small handpump froms at
low cost.
Pyrethrin products are common in Canada and the USA but product names will
vary from country to country. Many generic products with that active
ingredient are out there and are usually advertised as safe for use with
vegetables, or for "house and garden" situations. Check the fine print on
the label to make sure it contains "pyrethrins.... 0.02%". Products
available in Canada have names like "Schultz's Garden insect Spray", but
there are many others. Email me if you want some other actual product names
that I have tried. Note that pesticide products are not allowed to be
brought across international borders, so you have to get them in your own
country to keep it legal.
CP that I have used such pyrethrin products on for aphid control include
all Sarracenia, VFTs, and most Drosera and pinguicula (which will lose
their dew for a week or two. Remember to try your spray on a test plant
first in case you are using a product with other undesireable
ingredients such as any insecticidal soaps or fatty acids which can
cause problems. "Piperonyl butoxide" is only a synergist, is safe on
CP, and will be present in most cases.
Good luck, and don't forget, pesticides are only as safe as how they are
used, so read the label and follow directions on any pesticide products you
use. And wash your hands afterwards!
Randy