Question
Hey guys,

Long time no ask a question.  Couple months ago, my Sars started coming out of dormancy in Houston, TX and looked like they were doing great.  But some of the hybrids over the last couple of weeks suddenly started rotting...usually from the base (ie. develop a big 'ole brown spot) and the pitcher just deteriorates and wilts.  I've lost a beautiful Judith Hindle and now my S. Purpurea x Minor is starting to exhibit the same symptoms.  I had repotted it in fresh peat moss/perlite medium hoping it would get better, but the rhizome seems to be slowly rotting away.  Is it the unbearable heat (90+) that's causing the water to rot the roots?  I used to have a pump in the tray to aerate, but I stopped when it broke.  Should I apply fungicide?  Is it a hybrid thing?

Thanks.

Johnny

Answer
Hi Johnny,

From your description, it's definitely a fungus issue.  Fungus is a common problem with Sarracenia in cultivation, and it even happens to us.  When it attacks the rhizome, the rhizome becomes brown and soft.  It should be firm and white on the inside.

Unpot your plants and spray the rhizomes generously with a sulfur-based fungicide.  Safer?brand makes a great prepared solution.  You can find it at any garden center.  Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle.

After spraying the rhizomes.  Set the plants in a bowl of water and keep the plants in full sun.  The ultraviolet light will help kill off the fungus.  Of course, make sure that the water bowl doesn't overheat.  If necessary, shield the plant from the scorching afternoon sun.

Spray the rhizome daily or at least every other day for a week.  Change the water at the same time.  This sounds drastic, but it's the only method that we've found that has the highest rate of success in salvaging fungus ridden rhizomes.  If the rhizome is too infected, you may lose it.  But if you catch it soon enough and take the appropriate steps, you will have a great chance of success with this method.

At the end of the week, repot your plant in fresh soil.  Spray again before repotting.  Hopefully this will kill off the fungus.  Keep your plants in partial sun for a week so that they can recover from this ordeal.  After that, move the plants to full sun.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin