Question

N. Caeser Leaf   QUESTION: While I was on a vacation, a nepenthes I have seems to be afflicted with what I've diagnosed as scale (do correct if I'm mistaken).  You can see a picture of one of the leaves that got hit the worst.

I removed some of the really afflicted leaves, scraped any other insects off, and then treated it with a neem oil/water/detergent mixture.  This seemed to work for a bit, but I noticed some appearing again.  I treated again, and this time a few days later I still noticed them back.  Can you recommend an alternate solution that might keep the little blighters off?

ANSWER: Hi Bryan,

Thanks for sending the picture.  That really helped.

Those are scale allright.  Because these guys can be so sneaky I prefer to use a systemic insecticide.  The standard one we use is Ortho Systemic insect killer.  The active ingredient is called Acephate.  Mix it according to directions.  Nepenthes are fairly tough, so they are fine with most insecticides.  You could also use an insecticide based on pyrethrins or permethrin.

Good Growing!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey thanks for the quick answer!  I was hoping to get a little further clarification (just to avoid possibly torching my plant) about how to apply the pesticide.

I was going to get a tank sprayer and fill it with the recommended mixture.  Do you then (as it says), coat the entire upper and lower leaf surfaces thoroughly?  Should I try to avoid having it go into the pitchers?  Should I wash the plant with distilled water afterwards?  Should I keep it in a place with good air circulation?

Thanks much!

Answer
Hi Bryan,

If you use the Ortho systemic, a tank sprayer is helpful.  The concentration is one ounce per gallon of water.

We usually just spray the plant from the top, but spraying the undersides of the leaves will help also.  I wouldn't spray any in the pitchers, but I doubt it would do any harm as long as you weren't getting crazy about it.  We have found this insecticide to be safe on all the cp we grow, even butterworts and sundews, when mixed as directed.  Nepenthes are very tough by comparison and have never notice any phytotoxicity.

With this insecticide you don't have to be super thorough with coverage since it is systemic.  It works by entering the plant's tissues and poisoning the insects from the inside.  It remains effective for about 30 days.  If you have any other plants near the Caesar, check them also and treat.  I've found that Phaleonopsis orchids are very prone to scale, and are often the first carriers.

There should be no need to rinse off the spray.  Good air circulation is good for the plant in general.  Also, this stuff stinks to high heaven.  Be sure to wear gloves when spraying.


Good Growing!

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