Question
QUESTION: hey i just got my N. Villosa from you guys and it looks fantastic for being a very tiny Nep, anyways to the point i just noticed what looked like rust spots on one of the leaves and was wondering what might be the best way to take care of those, although what does bug me is that the humidity in the room isnt to great, only about 46% at the most from our humidifier . also what would be the best way to prevent it in the future?  I can post pics up if need be

ANSWER: Hi Ann,

Pictures would be great.  The rust spots, especially if they are on older leaves, are usually of no concern.  You should try an provide higher humidity, however.  N. villosa definitely likes it cool and humid.  If need be, you could direct the mist from an ultrasonic humidifier over the plant to give it that gentle spray.  While it was in our greenhouse it was in an area with misters.  Nepenthes villosa is definitely one of the Nepenthes that lives up to the stereotype of liking high humidity.  They are also very slow growing.

Good Growing!

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

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QUESTION: i noticed some small looking fly type of things, so i'm thinking maybe some how they caused the damage,if they did at least the sundew got to eat two of them hehe.

Here is the  link to the picture http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww241/Com8897/carnivorous%20plants/sdc10014.j

sorry their a d bit far away but its noticeable, there's also a little spot on another leaf, the strange thing is that their not old leaves it looks like.  As for the humidifier would the air-o-swiss be ok? I got one the other day to raise the humidity of the room

ANSWER: Hi Ann,

Those are probably fungus gnats.  Usually they are of no concern, but if you start seeing lots of them, you may want to spray with a Neem solution.  The larvae can eat plant roots.

I looked at the picture, and I'm not sure it if it's a problem or not.  Get a hand-lense and look to see if the spots look like insects or just discoloration.  From what I saw the plant looks fine.

Air-O-Swiss is an ultrasonic humidifier, so it should be great.

Good Growing!

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

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QUESTION: ok so it turns out my basil plants have an infestation on fungus gnats and when i went to put the new basil seedlings into the same room as the N. Villosa then must have taged along, so i now have all the basil in quarantine until i get some neem oil, speeking of neem oil where is the best place to get some?  I checked at homedepo todaybut they did not have it.  After moving the basil seedlings back into the kitchen and the sundew ketching the 2 gnats that were in the room, there have been no sign of further damage to the leaves

The spots look like discolouration and maybe a little eaten off of,

Answer
Hi Ann,

Actually, they carry several different products that contain Neem.  Shultz houseplant insecticide is one, and many products that are considered 3 in 1 natural insecticide/fungicide use Neem.  You just have to read the ingredient labels.  Some garden centers do carry the Neem oil concentrate, but it's messy to mix, and you wouldn't need nearly that much.


Good Growing!

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