QuestionQUESTION: I have pesky, thick, gelatinous algae in my water pots. It stinks and is impossible to get rid of. Is there a way to rid my pots of this nuisance with no harm to my sarracenias?
ANSWER: Hi Jeff,
Yes, that gelatinous algae that grows on the soil can be a nuisance. To control it, use a quantarary ammonium product, such as Consan 20. You can find it at any garden center.
Follow the directions on the bottle for getting rid of algae and moss. Spray it on the soil. As long as you're spraying it on the soil of your Sarracenia, your plants will be fine. Avoid using it with sundews and butterworts. The compound is oxidative, similar to bleach, and tends to damage the delicate leaves of these plants. Sarracenia leaves are tougher, so they can withstand the product.
Good growing!
Jacob Farin
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The problem with most of the algae is floating in the water pots. Is it okay to put the prescribed solution in the water as well, without damaging the sarracenia roots? Thanks again.
AnswerHi Jeff,
As Jacob mentioned, the Consan 20 is good for controlling the algae on the soil surface. I don't recommend putting it into the water. It is likely to damage roots with long term exposure.
Besides just physically cleaning the algae out the water pots, you'll have better luck if you try to deprive the algae of light. Dark trays help. You could also try draping black plastic over the water to keep the light out. You would just need to be more attentive to the water levels since you would need to lift the plastic to check water levels. Hope this helps.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
