Fungicide and Neem Oil Use on Carnivorous Plants in the Pacific Northwest

An Oregon grower asked about using a sulfur fungicide containing pyrethrins on hardy sundews (concerned about pyrethrin safety) and whether to apply neem oil to Sarracenia in fall.

Jeff Dallas states that in Western Oregon/Washington, outdoor plants receiving rain and UV light don't need fungicide. The combination naturally suppresses mold. Cold frames or garages should only be used during hard freezes (teens °F); otherwise, plants belong outside in the rain. Greenhouse storage all winter increases Botrytis risk—Dallas lost his first S. × 'Adrian Slack' this way despite fungicide use.

Regarding neem oil: current Sarracenia care only requires clipping dead leaves and maintaining moisture. The video podcasts and newsletters supplement the Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series, which contains comprehensive seasonal care instructions.

Pyrethrins in sulfur fungicides can damage sensitive carnivorous plants. Pure sulfur (wettable powder) is safer if treatment is truly needed, but outdoor cultivation in the PNW rarely warrants it.