Date: Sun, 4 Apr 1999 22:56:29 EDT From: CMDodd@aol.com To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1205$foo@default> Subject: Re: Nepenthes bugs
In a message dated 99-04-04 20:13:45 EDT, you write:
<<
Hello, I have a beautifully growing Nepenthes plant right now I purchased
last fall at a local nusery. I have yet to identify it. It has traps
about 2-3 inches tall. The only problem I have right now is the fact
that little tiny insects have appeared to inhabit the soil and
surrounding areas. I don't know what kind they are. They are black to
silver and only a couple mm long and can jump relatively far compared to
their size. Any ideas? They tend to eat or thrive on dead plant
material, but will they start attacking my Nepenthes plant?
Mike
gfroese1@mbnet.mb.ca
>>
Dear Mike,
They may be springtails (you mentioned they can jump far) which are harmless
as far as I know. Thrips are also small (about 1-2 mm) black, silver, or
green and will badly damage leaves. The damage shows up as silvery sunken
patches on the undersides of the leaves. Heavy infestations are common here
in Florida as thrips attack a wide variety of local trees and shrubs and
Sarracenia. These heavy attacks have weaked plants to the point of death in
rare cases. Systemic insecticides like Cygon 2E or contact insecticides like
Malithion will kill them as will a horticultural oil mixed with something
like Safers brand soap. Cygon is very toxic for an over-the-counter product
so follow directions!
Since you mentioned they thrive on dead plants material, removing all dead
and dying leaves might make them go elsewhere. It will also allow you to see
all the green parts of the plants more easily. I have found scale hiding in
plants that have grown too close together or were otherwise neglected for a
time.
Cliff
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Tue Jan 02 2001 - 17:31:56 PST