Question
I have been growing CP for a number of years and have been having problems with rhizome rot on some of my plants. Is there a chemical way of stopping the problem or what is your suggestions. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ron,

First, rhizome rot is usually a problem when Sarracenia is grown indoors.  So if you've got them indoors, you should acclimate them to outdoor growing.  Sunlight and rain are natural defenses against rhizome rot.  At our nursery, we grow our Sarracenia exclusively outdoors. Of the several thousand plants we have, we might lose a half dozen at the most each year to rhizome rot.

Rhizome rot often starts as a fungal infection.  Fungal spores are everywhere, so prevention is the best forms of defense.  Again, growing your plants in full sun during the growing season and allowing them to get rained on will reduce the occurrence of fungal spores from sprouting up.

Secondly, make sure that you're using a soil mix of 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite.  If you're using straight peat moss, the soil won't have enough drainage and aeration, which sets you up for fungal infection.  The addition of perlite improves drainage and aeration.

You should also change the soil yearly.  Old soil breaks down and loses acidity, which is also a natural defense against fungus.  So freshen the soil if the soil is old.

Finally, as a precaution, you could also lightly dust the rhizomes with wettable sulfur powder.  You can find this at most garden centers.  Sulfur is a natural fungicide.  A small amount is all you need.  You can dust the rhizome when you repot your plants.  Safer?brand also makes a prepared solution of it.  If your collection is small, then use the spray bottle instead and spray the rhizomes.  

If you notice fungus taking hold in the future, unpot your plant immediately and spray the entire rhizome.  You should also segregate the plant from your healthy ones to reduce the spread of the spores.

Another type of fungicide you could use is Neem oil.  Safer brand also makes a prepared solution of it.  As always, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

Avoid all types of metallic fungicides, such as those that contain copper or zinc.  Metals are toxic to carnivorous plants.

For more information about growing Sarracenia, read our care sheets online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin