Question
hi,
i am new to vft's i have a scarlet belle, pitcher and in the past few days i have noticed tiny white spots located more towards the center of the plant and on the soil too. the tips of this plant almost look dried out,  im thinking its coming out of dormancy, but im not sure, as i said i am new to these plants, but im fascinated by them. are the white things bugs ??  or what an i do to save this plant? , many thanks, joan

Answer
Hi Joan,

Those white spots might be scales, a type of pest that can severely weaken your plants.  You didn't mention where you were growing your plants, but if you have them indoors, this is probably why.  Scales is rarely a problem with outdoors plants, especially in spring, but can be a true pest with indoor plants.

First, spray your plants with Systemic Insect Killer by Ortho?  It's safe for carnivorous plants, and it will eradicate the scales within a week.  Because it's systemic, it'll last for an additional 3-4 weeks. You can find this product at your local garden center.  As always, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

Second, acclimate your plants to outdoor growing if you got them in the house.  These plants are best grown outdoors.  At our nursery, we grow both flytraps and Sarracenia exclusively outdoors.  Growing these plants indoors is a common mistake.

For more information about growing carnivorous plants, make sure to read our care sheets online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin