Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 08:32:55 -0400 From: "Mellard, David" <dam7@cdc.gov> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2556$foo@default> Subject: RE: very bad sarracenia problem
Sarracenia love heat and sun. One problem might be that you moved the plant
from shade (under trees, under lights) to direct sun too quickly, which
often will burn the leaves.
Here's what I suggest:
1. use a soil mix of 1 part sand and 1 part milled sphagnum peat
2. repot the plant, being sure to look at the rhizome and the roots to
evaluate their status. If the rhizome has soft areas, you'll need to cut
them off. When repotting, place the open cut above the mix or put wettable
sulfur on the wound to prevent bacterial/fungal decay or both.
3. If the roots are gone, cut away leaves that are in poor shape so
that the rhizome can focus on maintaining healthy leaves. You might do this
anyway so the rhizome can focus on the healthy leaves. This becomes a
judgment call because the plant needs the leaves to produce energy so be
careful not to overdue the pruning. Just remove leaves that are truly in
sad shape. If all you have are leaves that are in sad shape, you'll need to
leave some (or all) so the plant has something to work with. Place the
rhizome partially buried in the mix.
4. If the plant was previously grown in shade or under lights, place
the plant in an area that gets morning sun but not direct afternoon sun.
Gradually move the plant over a period of a few weeks to get more and more
direct sun.
5. Another option is to place the plant as close to fluorescent lights
as possible if outdoors is not feasible.
6. Water the plant by the tray system, always keeping some water in the
tray. Make sure the container is tall enough that the roots are not always
underwater.
7. Check for insects on the leaves and the rhizome.
8. Make sure that the pitchers have some water in them. Add rainwater
if you have to.
9. Do not fertilize, although you might help it along by occasionally
adding a small bug to the pitcher or some fish flakes. Do not overdo the
feeding.
David
Atlanta
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