Sarracenia rubra Root Rot in Undrained Pot: Emergency Treatment

Chris repotted/divided S. rubra spring. Both in undrained pot, sphagnum moss. Doing well, flowered (clipped). Today: largest half has mushy brown rhizome at growth point. Cut back to firm white tissue. Plan: repot in drained pots, treat with tebuconazole (Bayer 3-in-1). Bird attacked pitchers while at work.

Undrained Pots = Bacterial Buildup

Lesson learned: always use pots with holes + tray. S. rubra forms tight growth—prone to fungus. Cutting dead tissue + fungicide (tebuconazole or sulfur) is correct. Bird netting or reflective tape helps.

Follow-up: Repotted in pure peat (only sphagnum peat moss available, Miracle-Gro perlite). Tips drying despite water. Upper 80s in TN. Jacob: no set recovery time—give a month. Sun helps recovery (photosynthesis + UV kills fungus). Keep soil moist.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin