Question
Hello Jacob and Jeff

I have received a few new Nepenthes and have added them to my collection.
It just dawned on me that I might want to quarantine them before adding to the group (which is too late, it has been awhile since I have done this, and I forgot certain hygiene protocols, shame on me!)
My concern is fungus and mite infection and infestation. I was told that the product Dr. Staehler Anti-Mite(Kiron)acaricide was a good product to use for mites.

Are there products you would recommend to treat, or use as a preventative treatment for mites and fungus for Tropical Pitcher plants.

Again, thank you being there to offer your Expert Help!
You guys are great!

John

Answer
Hi John,

We've never personally used this product, but Nepenthes tend to be pretty tough, so it could be fine.  You'll just need to test it on an inexpensive plant and see how it does.  Be sure to follow label directions.  If you have a place where you can enclose plants, I've found No-Pest strips the best way to get rid of spider mites since they can be so difficult to get rid of with sprays.  Predatory mites are also quite effective, but if you go that route, you can't use any insecticides.

I've rarely had any fungal problems with Nepenthes.  We use sulfur-based fungicides as a preventative when we take cuttings.  Here's a link to our podcast on fungicides:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfVUrMaGjVs

Good Growing!

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