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Pests

Greenfly

Greenfly tends to be the most common pest, during the spring and summer they will attack growing tips of the young immature pitchers.  If the greenfly are not controlled in time, the hood and mouths of the infected pitchers are severely deformed, usually incapable of attracting and capturing insects.  Greenfly are easily controlled by the use of a systemic insecticide at regular intervals throughout the growing season. 

Wasps

These do not cause any problem to the plant as a whole, rather occasionally when a wasp becomes trapped in a pitcher it will manage to eat its way through the side of the pitcher.  This only affects the plant from an aesthetic point of view, though the hole will allow an easy escape for any subsequent insects that fall into the trap. 

Vine Weevil

Very occasionally vine weevil larvae can cause a problem in the greenhouse, they weaken the plant by eating the roots.  Usually the first indication of trouble is the immature pitchers starting to wilt as though the plant is suffering from lack of water.  If vine weevil larvae are the problem then examination of the plant will highlight it to be loose in its container.  By this stage a simple pull on the rhizome should remove it from the pot revealing the grubs in the compost beneath.  Control of the larvae is easily achieved, using either chemical and biological (nematodes) means. 

Diseases

Grey Mould

Normally the only disease likely to affect and cause any damage to Sarracenia's is Grey Mould (Botrytis cinerea).  The rhizome is particularly susceptible if good hygiene is not maintained throughout the winter months.  In particular the plant should have all dead material removed and remain subject to good ventilation and light.  Ensure the compost is only just kept moist throughout the dormant season.  As well as the above, preventative treatment can be taken in the use of a systemic fungicide. 

If Botrytis is found to be affecting a plant the only solution is to remove the affected areas.  If the rhizome is attacked, the affected areas should be removed using a sharp knife or scalpel until only healthy tissue remains.  This should then be repotted using the recommended compost. 

Sooty Mould

Sooty mould is a harmless fungus that lives and feeds on the nectar typically produced by Sarracenia Flava.  It does not live or feed on the plants, and does not do any harm to them, but can be rather unsightly.  Should it become a problem it can easily be removed using a damp cloth with a little detergent. 

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