Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia) to Combat Pests

Chronicseeker

New Member
I have always wondered if pitcher plants would suffice for a simple pest control solution. I have seen them in a natural environment, full of gnats. I don't have an issue currently, knock on wood, but maybe this could be a cheap/ long term solution.
 

YThor

Well-Known Member
I used to grow a lot of sarrs. I don't know which bugs you're trying to combat, but pitcher plants probably won't measurably impact your pests. If you have fungus gnats, either switch to an inorganic substrate, or use Gnatrol (a form of Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a bacterial larvicide- not a chemical pesticide).

Some sundews work well to trap flying pests, but the low humidity here in the desert prevents them from being grown well. Some other insectivorous plants can be quasi-adapted to lower humidity, but as a rule, they all pretty much need high light, high humidity, and absolutely nothing but very dilute fertilizer solutions.
 

PixiDustr

Active Member
for fungus gnats sprinkle cinnamon on the soil or substrate. plants love it and gnats don't have a chance.
 

irieie

Well-Known Member
I used to grow a lot of sarrs. I don't know which bugs you're trying to combat, but pitcher plants probably won't measurably impact your pests. If you have fungus gnats, either switch to an inorganic substrate, or use Gnatrol (a form of Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a bacterial larvicide- not a chemical pesticide).

Some sundews work well to trap flying pests, but the low humidity here in the desert prevents them from being grown well. Some other insectivorous plants can be quasi-adapted to lower humidity, but as a rule, they all pretty much need high light, high humidity, and absolutely nothing but very dilute fertilizer solutions.
I use gnatrol when I water in every time I transplant. Never a fungus gnat in sight. Also don't use fox farm ocean forest, that shit is full of bugs especially fungus gnats. You can also find bacillus thurengiensis in some liquid additives. I know that fox farm makes a root drench as part of their bush doctor line and it contains this bacteria. Pretty funny how they add it to take care of their shit soil.
 

missnu

Well-Known Member
Hmmm...I use FFOF all the time, and I only get fungus gnats if I overwater, or rather if I water too frequently and the soil stays wet for too long... Fungus gnats are everywhere always seeking moisture...so they are in your house before you ever bring soil home...You just won't really notice them, unless you leave out wet kitchen sponges, or towels, or have a leaky faucet...most gnats in houses and not flying around bowl of fruit are fungus gnats...
 

irieie

Well-Known Member
Well I don't use ffof any more and I never get fungus gnats no matter how much I water. And I have never seen them anywhere else in my house. Get yourself a cleaner or just clean your house yourself. Oh and we have wet sponges wet towels and a dripping faucet. No fungus gnats. Its from ffof.
 
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