Question

White Spots   Hey guys!

I have a N. platychila that's been growing with me for about 9 months. It's been a fantastic plant for me that's pitchered with every leaf. It's been growing in well ventilated, high light terrarium ( CFL bulbs, 4400 lumens, 15 hours a day). I keep the plants in trays to keep water from filling the bottom of the terrarium, but don't let them sit in water. The only reason I use a terrarium is to drop the temperature to 55 degrees at night.

However, the most recent leaf came out much smaller than the others. It's about half as long, and half as wide. I looked near the base of the plant, and found some odd white things. I'm not 100% sure what they are, but I don't think they're helping! I've attached a close-up of the white parts. It hasn't seem to have spread to any other plants, but I'd hate to see that happen!

I have a sulfur based fungicide from Safer, and an insecticide from Bayer, containing imidacloprid.

Any help is much appreciated!

Thank you!
Chance

Answer
Hi Chance,

You may have either scale or thrips.  Spray it with your Bayer spray.  Check the label for the frequency since you may need to repeat spray later (eggs hatching).  It's good you caught them early since they can spread rapidly.  You may want to spray your other Nepenthes as a preventative.

Good Growing!

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