Question
QUESTION: Hey Guys, I have a question about Pyrethrin Spray. I have a product by Fox Farm called "Don't Bug Me". I put some on the crowns of my Cape Sundews and it burned many of the new forming leaves and even some of the mature ones. I did not get any on the sticky part of the leaf just the stem and crown. Is that normal for Pyrethrin Spray to burn?

Thanks,
Jason

ANSWER: Hi Jason,

Your actually the second person in a short period that has reported damage from a pyrethrins spray.  Usually the culprit here isn't the insecticide itself, but some other substance, such as the carrier, that is harming the plants.  Usually it will just be an individual product.  If you run across one like this, don't use it.  I will always test a new products on just one or two plants to determine phytotoxicity.  

As a gardener it seems you always need to do this unless the product has a plant list of known plants that the product has been safely used on.  Sometimes on the plant list they will list sensitive species.  If you see that, that is a red flag right off to use with caution at first on carnivorous plants.

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Jeff, what brand do you use that is safe?
Jason

Answer
Hi Jason,

We usually use the Bayer Rose and Flower spray that contains imidacloprid.  Here's a link:  http://www.bayeradvanced.com/rose-flower-care/products/dual-action-rose-flower-i  It's systemic, low-odor, and lasts for about a month on the plant.  I've never seen it cause any harm.

Good Growing!

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