Preventing Aphids and Sooty Mold on Sarracenia with Systemic Insecticides

A San Diego grower with a large Sarracenia collection wants to prevent aphids (last year's issue) and sooty mold. Asks if Ortho systemic (Acephate) on rhizomes/new leaves protects future growth, if soil contact harms plants, and if it prevents sooty mold.

Ortho Systemic (Acephate) Works Well

• Spray new leaves/rhizomes—protects for weeks via systemic uptake.
• Soil contact is safe if mixed per label. Smells bad but plant-safe.

Sooty Mold Is Fungal—Acephate Doesn't Prevent It

Ortho RosePride combines Acephate + Triforine (fungicide). Untested by us but a friend used safely on Nepenthes. Test on one plant first.

Better Mold Prevention

• Spray sulfur-based fungicide mid-winter before mold starts.
• Newer products: pyrethrin + sulfur combos (botanical insecticide + fungicide), apply more often.
• Prevention > cure for sooty mold.

Systemic insecticide for aphids; separate fungicide schedule for mold.