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kniphofia

Scale

kniphofia
18 years ago

My lovely pot of Bantel's Sensation is affected by scale. I've isolated it away from my collection. Is there a good remedy? I'm considering composting the whole thing. Is it worth taking cuttings from the better parts?

Comments (7)

  • Michaela
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi Kniph,
    I think your Bantel's is worth saving. Scale is a sucking insect that lives under the visible scale. It can be dispatched sometimes with a fingernail. However, I would prefer to use a systemic insecticide that is taken up by the roots and mixes with the natural fluids in the plant leaves. I use Orthene, but a friend uses Cygon - both of which we purchase as wettable powders (1 teaspoon to a gallon of water). There are probably other systemic chemicals you can use, as well.
    I'm afraid we easterners are doomed to have these insect problems when we keep our plants outside in the summer.
    Mike

  • karen715
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    As far as I know, Bantel's Sensation reverts to plain S.trifasciata when propagated from cuttings, so that isn't an option.

    I second the suggestion of a systemic as the best course of action, but I did have success with wiping down my S. trifasciata leaves with rubbing alcohol to rid them of scale. This treatment can be difficult with leafy plants, but the sword-like leaves make it relatively easy with Sansevieria. I used a q-tip to get down into the center of the rosettes.

  • rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You should not use either of the above mentioned pesticides inside! There are other systemics that are manufactured for SAFE and effective use on indoor plants. Cygon has been voluntarily (ha) withdrawn for all residential uses and will likely be taken off the market all together. If you happen to have any hanging around the garage, whatever you do.....DON'T use it inside!

    Here is a link that might be useful: EPA withdrawal of dimethoate (Cygon)

  • Michaela
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    .....and what would these safe and effective alternative chemicals be called? (we're talking about insecticides here, not pesticides).

    Dorie, you sound like someone in the know. What will happen to me, my pets, or my Sansevierias if Cygon is used inside?

  • rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Insecticides ARE pesticides. It's a generic word that can correctly be used for any product which is designed to kill pests of any kind. A fungicide is a pesticide. So is bleach.

    Anyhoo, I may have to take back what I said about SAFE systemic pesticides that can be used indoors. A quick clicking around reminded me that the active ingredient in one of the most commonly used INDOOR products, manufactured by Bonide, is disulfoton, an organophosphate. Granted, there is a relatively small percentage of active ingredient (1%) in some of the Bonide products, but in my mind that is too much for indoor use. It is, however, labeled for indoor use. Those other products (cygon and orthene are NOT.)

    Organophosphates are a large chemical family that includes some of the deadliest man-made chemicals of all kind. They all work to attack the functions of the nervous system in humans ( used in chemical warfare), other mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, mollusks, and TA DA.....insects! In the home, your cats and pet birds are very suspectible to these fumes, as well as small children. Anyone with an impaired immune system should be cautious, as well.

    The chemical fumes can be inhaled thus absorbed into the human body, where they can accumulate for a short period of time. Actually, some have been found to be permanently absorbed into the fatty tissues and organ tissues of mammalian body. The chemical also enters the body via the skin, eyes, and mucus tissues. Our healthy liver function counteracts the damages of these chemicals, but can't do so if the exposure is chronic. If you happen to be a pet, or a small child, or elderly, or recovering from an illness, or have had too much to drink, or are pregnant....well, you get the idea.

    I speak to chronic pesticide exposure from experience. Several years ago, I was in the position of applying various pesticides (insecticies, miticides, fungicides and herbicides) in my role as horticultural specialist. The chemicals were ordinary products, nothing that anyone couldn't buy at the local garden center. Though I practiced reasonable (for the time) caution, I didn't protect myself sufficiently to avoid a sudden acute poisoning episode which resulted in an ambulance drive through Charleston, SC., a couple of days in IC, several weeks before I could speak coherently, and many years of impaired liver function. I have to run for cover if a mosquito abatement plane or truck comes into my vicinity. I cannot use any chemical pesticides at all to this day.

    I consider the INDOOR use of those products we've discussed as CHRONIC exposure of an organophosphate. I've used alcohol mists as a routine treatment for any errant pest activity (mixed 1:3), insecticidal soaps, oil sprays, etc.

    I'm sorry if I've gone on too long about this. Practicing pesticide safety is a common sense issue, I believe. But we have to be information gatherers in order to protect ourselves. The chemical companies are explicit on their labeling, but we just don't seem to pay close enough attention.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Dysulfoton information

  • dufflebag2002
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Try Neem oil, or Ultra Fine there is also Safer's Soap, and Concern products, that will list scale as a insect that it will kill, it worked on my Haworthia, then I used a soft tooth brush or cotton tip to remove the dead insects. Scale is the only pest I've seen on San. I inherited this problem and have been working 8 years to get rid of it. There is Bayer Rose food with a systemic added. I use this only in the Summer months, outside. Always read the labels before you buy, and wash your hands thoroughly after. Wear a mask over the nose as well, do not use it in a inclosed room or greenhouse. Norma

  • dufflebag2002
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Cygon is illegal in Calif. It is extremely dangerous to your health, including all other animals, insects, birds, fish, beetles, spiders, etc. Norma