Sarracenia Problem

[jsnix]

I've had three types of sarracenia since April of this year. I live in DFW area of Texas (hot summers), keep the plants outdoors in partial to full sun. Use only distilled water and keep the plants moist at all times. For the most part, they have done well and have grown considerably. However, a few months ago I noticed that something seemed to be "eating away" at the stalks. This has only gotten worse. I haven't noticed any insects on the plants, although perhaps they are very small? I have links to photos below. Can anyone help identify the cause of this problem and suggest a solution? Also, over the past few weeks some of the stalks have turned brown / dried out / died. Could this just be that they are beginning to go dormant for the winter?

(Yes, I know there is no water in the pans in the photos. I'd just emptied the pans prior to cleaning them out. Normally keep them sitting in 1/4" to 3/4" of water)

www.wwtech.com/sarracenia-1.jpg
www.wwtech.com/sarracenia-2.jpg
www.wwtech.com/sarracenia-3.jpg
www.wwtech.com/sarracenia-4.jpg
www.wwtech.com/sarracenia-5.jpg

Thanks in advance!

[adamcross]

It looks like it could be Exyra moth larvae damage?

[jsnix]

Thanks adamcross, much appreciated --- I'll Google that and see what I can find.

[adamcross]

From memory there's a fairly comprehensive section on Exyra in Peter D'Amato's The Savage Garden, and there's some good information on sarracenia.com by Barry Rice (also in his books).

Hope you can find a solution!

Adam

[jsnix]

Adam ... that's funny. I literally just ordered "The Savage Garden" off of Amazon less than 15 minutes ago. Had seen it recommended from many sources. Also had placed Barry Rice's book "Growing Carnivorous Plants" in my Amazon "wishlist". Probably would have purchased it also, but they only had it in a $30 hardcover edition.

Again, thanks for all your help.

James

[Aidan]

Nothing looks specifically wrong with the plants. Dead patches may appear as pitchers fill with prey. Particularly with plants grown outside where they may catch more prey items than they can cope with.

[jsnix]

Thanks for the feedback Aidan.