Question

MoldButterwort   In regards to grey mold on a butterwort (not sure of the exact breed. Purchased at Lowe's in a terrarium)

My butterwort is developing small patches of fuzzy grey mold on the peat moss near the plant. I have read that watering with a 1:50 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide will alleviate this, but am hesitant to try it without a more reliable opinion.

The plant resides inside my house in a southern window that gets plenty of sunlight. I water it with Distilled water, and it is planted in a 50/50 mixture of peat moss and perlite. I have had the plant for approximately one month.

I am in Clackamas, Oregon. Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and hard work

Jay

Answer
Hi Jay,

What your plant is planted in is long-fiber sphagnum moss.  Peat moss is different; it's the brown stuff that you buy in bales from garden centers.  Peat moss is the result of sphagnum partially decomposing in a bog over many years.  I just wanted to be clear, so if I mention peat moss you know I'm talking about the brown stuff.  Long-fiber sphagnum (LFS) is often used in Nepenthes mixes or anyplace you need a better drainage, but want good moisture holding properties.  It's much more expensive than peat moss.

Using the peroxide to kill your mold is fine.  Just try to avoid pouring it on the plant.  I'm not sure about your concentration since I'm not sure if your starting with a concentrated peroxide, or your using the typical 3% solution found in drugstores.  If you are using the 3%, 1:50 will be way too weak.  Orchid growers I've talked to use 1:3, one part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts water.

You can prevent the mold by doing more top-watering of the soil to help wash away mold spores.  You can also spray with a sulfur based fungicide such as Safer to prevent the mold.

Good Growing!

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