Carnivorous plants for insect infestation

[Dan42nepa]

I was thinking about getting a mexican butterwort for my closet...

Butterworts are very good at catching their own small flies -fungus gnats or whitefly.. Mexican species can be given a dilute acidic fertiliser for epiphytes (1/4 strength) about once a month during the carnivorous growing season. Only use it on the leaves, not the flowers. Other species wont mind being fed occasionally, but we never do.

 

[TeamRamRod]

I have used some carnivorous plants before. they work good for gnat problems but you will need more then one well depending on the size of it.

 

[Dan42nepa]

i am also concerned with lights... i think the 400 w may be too much for them... If i find some locally i'll get some but wont go crazy.

 

[TeamRamRod]

i put mine in the shade of my plants under a 1000 and it was ok so i think the 400 will be ok too.

 

[jojajico]

i think that would be a ver ineffecient way to deal with pests esecially if u have a big out break. a better choice would be predator insects like praying manti and lady bugs.

 

[Guest]

Fungus gnat predator
Stratiolaelaps (Hypoaspis) miles



Soil dwelling predatory mite.

Adult between 0.5 and 1 mm long with females being larger than males.


Target Pests


Fungus gnat larvae in potting mixes, Bradysia spp.
Pupae of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis

Crops suitable


Greenhouse cut flower, vegetable and nursery crops using potting mixes, soil, rock wool and perlite.

General description


Soil dwelling predatory mite.

How to use


Sprinkle material containing mites on soil around infected plants

Release rates


Preventative treatments:
15,000 per 100-150 square meters of bedding, or
15,000 per 200-300 150 mm pots

Curative treatments here fungus gnats are well established:
Double the above recommendations.